March 27, 2007

Broad Interpretation Of Course Of Employment

The decedent was fatally struck by a drunk driver while walking on an employer owned public sidewalk from the parking lot to his check-in station nearly 30 minutes before the employee's shift was to begin. In the ensuing fatal claim litigation, the employer challenged the work-relatedness of the claimant's death. The Court granted the fatal claim petition. 

What It Means to You

Courts continue to liberally construe what constitutes a furtherance of the employer’s business. Do not disregard an incident merely because the claimant was not definitively working at the time. Contact a Cipriani & Werner attorney to discuss the specifics of your case.
 

Sources

Allegheny Ludlum Corp. v. WCAB (Hines), 913 A.2d 345 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2006)