Under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act, accidental injuries occurring while the employee is participating in a company sponsored event, such as the company Christmas party, is compensable under one of the following conditions:
(1) The injury occurred on the premises as a regular incident of employment;
(2) The event is required by the employer: either expressly or implicitly; or
(3) The employer obtains substantial or direct benefits from the event or activity. (Beyond the intangible value of improving company morale.)
If the employee was injured due to intoxication, horseplay, or other willful misconduct, the employer has cause to combat the validity of the case. It will be a very fact-sensitive analysis that will determine whether the employee can recover benefits.
If you have been injured, report the incident to your supervisor. Failure to report the accident within 30 days can jeopardize your benefits. (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80). Your employer will likely ask you to fill out paperwork detailing the incident, and will conduct an investigation. It’s in your best interest for your company to conduct a thorough and timely investigation, providing all parties with the facts we need to manage your case.
If you’ve been injured at your company Christmas party or other company-sponsored event, and need your case evaluated, please call Ramos & Law for a free consultation. (404)355-3431.
Ramos & Law has been supporting Georgia’s workforce for nearly a decade, practicing 100% Workers’ Compensation.