Injury Outside the Workplace

Under certain circumstances, workers’ compensation may cover injuries incurred outside the workplace, even in an employee’s home.

In Kidwell v. WCAB, a California Court of Appeal ruled that an employee injured at home while performing a task that was a reasonable expectancy of their employment was entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The employee worked for the California Highway Patrol. She was required to pass an annual physical fitness test, including a standing long jump, to remain employed. She was injured while practicing at home, requiring surgery and time away from work. The court reasoned that because the long jump was a job requirement and¹