In the new COVID world in which the traditional office has been replaced in full or in part by a work from home existence, many of us never think about the issues that arise when we are doing our jobs at the kitchen table.
Courts have long-recognized the “personal comfort doctrine,” which means that if you are injured while on a personal comfort break—such as a smoke or bathroom break—even if you aren’t on your employer’s physical premises, you still may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. A recent Pennsylvania appeals court decision confirms that if you are at work and take a smoke break plus pick up a sandwich at the corner deli, you are still covered.… Read the rest
