Can You File for Workers’ Compensation If You Were Injured in an Accident Outside of Work?

Workers’ compensation is designed to protect employees who get hurt while doing their jobs. But what if you’re injured somewhere other than your job site? Does workers’ comp still apply?

The answer depends on the details of your situation. In Maryland, workers’ compensation can still cover off-site injuries under certain conditions. The key is whether the accident happened while you were acting within the “scope of employment.”

Let’s break that down.

What Counts as “Scope of Employment”?

In Maryland, an injury is typically covered by workers’ compensation if it happens while you’re performing work-related duties. This doesn’t always mean you must be at your desk, warehouse, or official job location.

Here are some examples where off-site injuries may still qualify:

• Travel for Work: If you’re driving to a client meeting, delivering something for your employer, or traveling for a work assignment, your injuries may be covered.
• Off-Site Job Duties: If your job regularly requires you to work off-site—like a home health aide, construction worker, or technician—an injury at a client’s location might still fall under workers’ compensation.
• Running Errands for Your Employer: If you’re sent to pick up supplies or drop something off, and you’re injured while doing so, that may qualify, too.

The main question is whether you were doing something to benefit your employer at the time of the injury.

What Doesn’t Count?

Not all injuries away from the workplace are covered. For example:

• Commuting: Maryland follows the “going and coming” rule. If you’re injured driving to or from work, that usually doesn’t qualify—unless you’re using a company vehicle or are on a work-related errand.
• Lunch Breaks: If you’re on a break and not performing any work duties when the injury happens, it may not be covered.
• Personal Errands: If you’re doing something entirely unrelated to work, it likely won’t qualify for workers’ comp benefits.

Each case is different, though. Even small details can influence the outcome of whether you can get workers’ compensation when you’re offsite and experience an injury related to work in Maryland.

Special Circumstances

Some gray areas can come up. For example:

• Company Events: You may be covered if you’re hurt at a work-sponsored event like a team-building retreat or holiday party. Maryland courts examine whether attendance was expected and whether the event benefited your employer.
• Remote Work: With more people working from home, injuries in a home office may be covered. Again, the key is whether you performed a job duty when the injury occurred.
• On-Call Employees: If your employer requires you to be available during certain hours, injuries during those times—no matter where you are—might be considered work-related.

What to Do If You’re Injured Off-Site

If you think your injury could qualify, take these steps:

• Report the injury immediately to your supervisor or employer. Waiting could hurt your claim.
• Document what happened. Include time, location, and the task you were doing.
• Get medical attention. Be sure to inform the doctor that the injury may be work-related.
• Consult a lawyer. Off-site injury claims can be tricky. An attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and you get the benefits you deserve.

Speak To An Attorney

Getting injured off-site doesn’t automatically disqualify you from workers’ compensation. In Maryland, it all comes down to whether your activity at the time was connected to your job. You might qualify for workers’ compensation for an off-site injury in Maryland under certain cirumstances.

If you’re unsure, don’t guess—and don’t wait.

Contact Shugarman & Mehring today to discuss your situation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. We’ll help you understand your options and take the next step clearly and confidently.