Injuries on Your Way Out of Work in Harrisburg, PA: Does Workers' Comp Cover It?
Most workers know that workers’ compensation generally covers an injury on the job floor. But what about an injury that happens in the parking lot, on the stairwell, or just outside the building at the end of a shift? For Harrisburg-area employees leaving offices along Market Street or heading out from warehouses and facilities near the Capitol complex, this question comes up more often than people expect. Our workers’ compensation attorneys at HGSK Law Firm regularly help injured workers determine who is liable in their case and what method is available for pursuing coverage.
The General Rule: Course and Scope of Employment
Pennsylvania’s Workers’ Compensation Act covers injuries that occur “in the course of employment,” and that arise “as a result of” that employment. This does not mean an employee has to be actively performing job duties at the moment of injury. Courts have recognized that an employee’s workday reasonably includes a limited window immediately before and after a shift, particularly while the employee is still on the employer’s premises.
When is Leaving Work Still “On the Clock” for Coverage Purposes?
Several factors matter when determining whether a departure-time injury is covered:
- Location. Injuries that happen in an employer-owned or employer-controlled parking lot are more likely to be covered than injuries that occur after the employee has reached a public street or a personal vehicle already off employer property.
- Timing. An injury that occurs within a reasonable window of clocking out is treated differently from one that occurs well after an employee has left for personal errands.
- Purpose. If the employee was still performing a task connected to work, such as returning equipment or badge access, that can support coverage even after the official shift has ended.
Common Examples of Departure-Time Injuries
Some of the situations our firm sees most often include slipping on ice in an employer’s parking lot, tripping on a poorly maintained stairwell in an office building, being struck by a vehicle while walking to a parking garage, and falling on debris left in a loading area near an exit. Each of these can raise a coverage dispute if the employer or its insurance carrier argues the employee was no longer “at work” when the injury occurred.
What to Do If You’re Hurt Leaving Work
Documentation is the cornerstone of all strong workers’ compensation cases. You should report the injury to a supervisor as soon as possible and note exactly where on the property it happened. Take photos of the location, including any ice, debris, or hazards involved, and get contact information for any coworkers who witnessed the incident. This documentation can make a significant difference if the carrier disputes whether the injury falls within the course of employment.
If You’re Unsure How to Proceed After Being Hurt Leaving Work, Call a Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you need help filing a workers’ compensation claim or your claim was denied because your injury happened while leaving work, our firm can review the circumstances and figure out a plan. To get started, call HGSK Law Firm at 267-551-8782 or send us a message for a free consultation.