New Jerseyans know the wintertime drill – dress in layers, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, and to expect the high winds and heavy snowfall that come with a Nor’easter.
Still, no matter how prepared you may be, sometimes there is no preventing a slip and fall in the parking lot on your way into or from work. But you’re not on the clock, so can you receive workers’ compensation if your fall results in an injury?
New Jersey’s Workers’ Comp Laws
The winter weather can provide a wonderland that is a joy to behold. However, it’s accompanied by treacherous snow and ice that increases the risk of slips and falls. Such accidents can have severe implications involving bruises, fractures, and even severe concussions.
Even someone wearing proper footwear can find themselves on an icy patch and unable to gain traction. Getting in and out of a vehicle can be especially hazardous if one foot is inside and the other hits an ice patch.
Employers have a duty to provide their staff with a safe work environment, which extends to the parking lot outside the building. Employers are also required to carry workers’ compensation insurance that covers lost wages and medical expenses for employees who are injured on the job.
But what about injuries that occur off the clock?
The premises rule states that employees are covered when they arrive at the employer’s premises for work purposes. Therefore, an employee injured in a parking lot slip and fall while arriving or leaving work is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.