Let’s break down how Maryland handles workers’ compensation claims related to travel and when you might be eligible for benefits.
Maryland’s “Going and Coming” Rule
Maryland follows what’s known as the “going and coming” rule. This rule generally says that injuries sustained while commuting to or from your regular workplace are not covered under workers’ compensation. The rationale is that commuting is a personal activity, not part of your job duties.
So, if you slip on ice in your own driveway while leaving for work or get into an accident on your usual route home, you likely wouldn’t qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
However, like many legal rules, there are exceptions.
Exceptions to the Rule: When Travel Might Be Covered
There are several situations where travel-related injuries may be covered under Maryland workers’ compensation law:
1. Traveling for Work-Related Duties
If travel is part of your job duties—not just your commute—you may be covered. For example:
- A delivery driver injured in a car accident while making deliveries
- A home health aide traveling between patient homes
- An employee driving to an off-site meeting or conference
In these cases, because travel is part of the job, injuries sustained during travel may qualify for workers’ comp.
2. Special Missions or Errands
If your employer asks you to run an errand or complete a task outside your normal work hours or location, that’s considered a “special mission.” For example, if your supervisor asks you to drop off a package on your way home and you get injured during that errand, you may be eligible for benefits.
3. Business Travel
Employees injured while traveling for business—whether it’s out of town or out of state—are often covered. Injuries sustained during the trip, even in some non-working hours (like while walking from a hotel to dinner), may be compensable if the activity is reasonably related to the work trip.
However, purely personal activities—like sightseeing on your day off—are usually not covered.
4. Employer-Provided Transportation
If your employer provides transportation to and from work, and you’re injured during that commute, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. This applies to company shuttles, carpools arranged by your employer, or travel in a company-owned vehicle.
Proving a Travel-Related Workers’ Comp Claim
If you’re injured while traveling for work, it’s essential to document everything. You’ll need to show:
- That the injury occurred during the course of your employment
- That your travel was work-related or authorized by your employer
- That the activity you were engaged in at the time of injury was reasonably connected to your job
Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Commission will evaluate the details carefully, and claims involving travel can be more complex than typical workplace injuries.
When in Doubt, Talk to an Attorney About Your Workers’ Compensation Claims For Travel Injuries
Travel-related injuries fall into a legal gray area more often than people realize. What seems like a routine work errand might raise questions about coverage. That’s why speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can make a big difference.
At Shugarman & Mehring, we help injured workers across Maryland understand their rights and navigate the claims process. If you’ve been injured while traveling for work—or are unsure whether your injury qualifies—we’re here to help clarify your options.
You don’t need to figure it out alone. Reach out for a consultation to get the guidance you deserve.
ShugarmanMehring
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