Florida workers’ compensation generally provides benefits to employees who are injured while performing duties within the course and scope of their employment. Although many workplace injuries occur at an employer’s premises during normal working hours, coverage is not always limited to a specific location or schedule. Employees may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits while travelling for work, performing special assignments, working remotely, or carrying out authorised duties outside regular business hours. Determining whether an injury occurred within the course and scope of employment can be legally complex, particularly when work activities overlap with personal time. Understanding these rules can help injured workers protect their rights and determine whether they may qualify for benefits under Florida law.
Every workers’ compensation claim depends on its own facts, making it important to evaluate the specific circumstances surrounding the accident and the employee’s work responsibilities.
What Does “Course and Scope of Employment” Mean?
One of the most important requirements for a Florida workers’ compensation claim is establishing that the injury arose out of and occurred during the course and scope of employment. In simple terms, this generally means the employee was performing authorised work duties or activities that directly benefited the employer when the accident occurred.
The location of the injury is only one factor. Employees may still be covered even when working away from their employer’s premises if they are carrying out authorised job responsibilities.
Are Employees Covered Away From the Workplace?
Yes. Workers’ compensation coverage is not always limited to injuries occurring inside the employer’s building. Employees may remain covered while travelling or working at other locations if those activities are part of their employment.
Examples may include business travel, customer visits, off-site meetings, training events, or other authorised work assignments.
Common Exceptions to the General “Coming and Going” Rule
Although injuries sustained while travelling to and from work are generally not covered, Florida law recognises situations where an exception may apply.
Business Travel
Employees who are required to travel away from their normal workplace as part of their job duties may remain covered while carrying out activities reasonably related to that work assignment.
Special Missions or Special Errands
If an employer asks an employee to perform a specific task outside their normal commute or regular duties, injuries occurring during that special assignment may qualify for workers’ compensation depending on the circumstances.
Employer-Controlled Property
Coverage may extend to certain areas controlled or provided by the employer, such as designated car parks, walkways, or access routes employees must use to enter or leave the workplace.
On-Call or After-Hours Work
Employees who are required to work outside normal business hours, remain on call, or perform authorised duties after their scheduled shift may still be covered if they are injured while carrying out work-related responsibilities.
Authorised After-Hours Visits
If an employee returns to the workplace outside their regular schedule for a legitimate business purpose, eligibility for workers’ compensation will depend on the facts of the particular situation.
Why These Cases Can Be Complex
Modern workplaces often involve remote working, flexible schedules, travel, mobile devices, and after-hours responsibilities. As a result, determining whether an injury occurred within the course and scope of employment is not always straightforward.
Insurance carriers may carefully examine the employee’s activities at the time of the accident, the employer’s instructions, and whether the employee was performing work-related duties or personal activities.
What Should You Do After an Off-Site Workplace Injury?
If you are injured while performing authorised work duties away from your employer’s premises, report the accident to your employer as soon as possible and seek appropriate medical treatment. Keep copies of accident reports, medical records, travel information, emails, work instructions, and any other documentation that helps establish the connection between your injury and your employment.
Prompt reporting and thorough documentation can be important if questions arise regarding workers’ compensation coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Course and Scope of Employment
What does “course and scope of employment” mean?
It generally refers to injuries that occur while an employee is performing authorised work duties or activities related to their employment. This requirement is central to determining workers’ compensation eligibility under Florida law.
Are injuries sustained while travelling for work covered?
Often, yes. Employees travelling as part of their job duties may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if the injury occurs during authorised work-related travel.
Are injuries during my normal commute covered?
Generally, injuries sustained while travelling to or from work are not covered. However, certain legal exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances.
What is a special mission or special errand?
A special mission occurs when an employer directs an employee to perform a work-related task outside their normal duties or commute. Injuries occurring during these assignments may qualify for workers’ compensation.
Can I receive workers’ compensation if I am injured after normal working hours?
Possibly. If you were performing authorised work duties, working on call, or carrying out an employer-directed task, you may still qualify for benefits depending on the facts of your case.
What evidence helps prove an off-site workers’ compensation claim?
Work schedules, emails, travel records, witness statements, accident reports, and medical records can all help establish that the injury occurred while performing authorised employment duties.
When should I contact a workers’ compensation attorney?
You should seek legal advice if your claim is denied, your off-site injury is disputed, or you have questions about whether your accident occurred within the course and scope of your employment.
If you have questions about whether your injury occurred within the course and scope of your employment, our experienced legal team is here to help. Call 305-377-1505 for a free consultation today. We will review your case, explain your legal rights, and work to help you pursue the workers’ compensation benefits available under Florida law.
