If your employer asks you to run work-related or personal errands, it is essential to understand your rights regarding workers’ compensation. Here, we address two key questions to help you understand your rights.
Off-duty errands for work
Yes, you can claim workers’ compensation in Chicago if you are off duty but performing errands for your boss. Workers’ compensation covers injuries that occur while performing tasks that benefit your employer, even if you are not on the clock. This includes running errands or completing tasks your employer requests outside your regular work hours.
For example, suppose your boss asks you to drop off some documents at a client’s office on your way home, and you have a car accident. In that case, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation because you performed a task that directly benefited your employer. The critical factor is whether the errand relates to your job duties and benefits the employer’s business operations.
Personal errands
If the errand is for your employer’s personal needs and unrelated to your work duties, it generally does not qualify for workers’ compensation in Chicago. Workers’ compensation typically covers injuries while performing tasks that benefit your employer’s business. Even if your employer requests personal errands, they usually do not qualify as work-related activities.
For instance, if your boss asks you to pick up their dry cleaning and you suffer an injury, workers’ compensation likely will not cover it because the errand does not benefit the employer’s business operations. However, there can be exceptions depending on the case’s specific circumstances.
Pursuing your claim
Each workers’ compensation case is unique, and the specifics of your situation will determine eligibility. It is always a good idea to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
