If you were injured while traveling for work, you might be wondering about the necessary steps to take. This is especially true if you do not travel for work often. 

The good news is, the law has stipulated guidelines on how your employer should handle such a case and ensure that you get the different forms of support you deserve.

Travel-related work injuries are more complex to solve than other occupational injuries. A slip and fall or broken bones due to an equipment accident are straightforward to investigate and receive workers compensation. However, if you have been injured in a car accident while on a business trip, several additional factors might influence the outcome of your case. 

Normally, most employers will consider what you were doing and where you were when the injury happened. Injuries suffered when not performing work-related activities such as meetings, deliveries, and so on might not warrant compensation for any incurred losses. For instance, if you decided to stop by your daughter’s college before winding up your business trip, your employer might not be liable should an injury occur at this time. 

To make this easier, businesses have outlined policies to define the circumstances under which travel-related work injuries qualify under workmans comp insurance. Ensure that you understand your company’s protocols before embarking on that work trip.

How to Handle Travel-Related Work Injuries

Whether you drive for work or are at an annual business conference, here’s what to do if you are hurt while traveling for work.  

Notify Your Employer 

If you are conscious enough and can hold a conversation, call your employer, and report the injury. They might need you to explain things like the specific injury, where it happened, what you were doing, among other things.

This will ensure that your employer initiates the necessary actions towards filing your workers’ compensation claim. It will also prove the severity of your injury to the insurance company. 

Seek Medical Attention

Some employers, including federal, may require that you see a company doctor for any workplace injury. Since you might be miles and miles away from home, ask for guidance from your employer, or refer to the company policy.

Remember to keep the receipts, doctor’s reports, statements, and other documents related to the injury. These will be crucial as you file and negotiate your compensation claim with the insurance company. Ask your doctor whether there are possibilities of developing a delayed injury and what signs to watch out for. 

Seek Legal Advice

Given the ambiguity of injuries that occur when traveling for work, seeking an attorney’s advice is essential. A workers comp firm like Pathfinder injury Law can guide you through the legal complexities surrounding your case.

When seeking compensation for such injuries, the insurance company has more grounds to deny your claim. A lawyer who has dealt with victims like you understands these insurance maneuvers. They will use their legal knowledge to ensure a favorable outcome for your compensation claim.

Can I Seek Third-Party Compensation?

A travel-related work injury is no different from a personal injury if it involves negligence from a third party. Thus, you can file both a workers comp and personal injury claim against all the responsible parties. 

For instance, if a faulty hotel photocopier hurts you while you are preparing for a business meeting, you can hold the hotel liable for the injuries too. This amount can come in handy if the workers comp insurer denies your claim or offers insufficient compensation. 

Cases involving a third party will be arduous, especially if you live in a different state. Ensure that you understand the legal journey ahead from an attorney before proceeding.