Would you be covered by workman's compensation insurance if you were injured in a company sponsored softball game where the participation is voluntary?

Answer 1

The short and sweet answer to this question is a resounding "NO". The scenario depicted portrays no work environment, no involvement in any work activity, and the process of nothing involving an employee so engaged. This disqualifies it from the workmen's compensation umbrella of coverage; and, responsibility for your welfare does not automatically shift from you to your employer should you engage in an activity somehow involving your employer in an unofficial, or non-work-related capacity. If you fall down at the company picnic and break your leg, workmen's comp won't cover it. If the boss is your boyfriend, and you get pregnant, workmen's comp won't cover it. If you fall off of the deck of the C.E.O.'s yacht while a guest and lose an arm to a shark, workmen's comp will not be there for you. Other, more appropriate types of insurance coverage may exist to be of aid in each scenario; but, these are examples of what this type of insurance plan is NOT intended to cover. Workmen's comp is intended to provide relief and protection for workers who, during the course of their job, while engaged in job-related duties, become the unfortunate recipient of an injury. Anything else is not covered.