For some workers, traveling is just part of the job. You may even be one of those employees that spend as much time away from the office as in it. Sometimes, the worst happens and you get injured while you are away from home on company business. Do you have a workers' comp claim? In all likelihood, yes, but there is more to the story. Read on to learn more about work-related injuries while traveling on business.

What is covered

Under most circumstances, your employer's workers' comp insurance covers you from the moment you leave your home until you return to it (you are covered to and from your office for travel as well). This means that if you get in a wreck in the taxi on the way to the airport, you are covered. If you hurt your back setting up a convention booth, you are covered. If you get food poisoning at your hotel restaurant, you are covered.

What coverage means

If your workers' comp claim is approved, you can expect to receive full payment of any medical bills related to the injury and to be able to stay home and get better while earning a portion of your salary. If your injury turns out to be a permanent one, you can also expect to be offered a lump sum settlement, since you may never be able to work again.

What is not covered

The temptation to extend a business trip at an attractive destination is understandable; after all, your company is footing the bill for the transportation, and you have vacation time available. Unfortunately, that is where the workers' comp line gets drawn. If you are participating in recreational events that are unrelated to business, you will not be covered. Additionally, you will not be covered for anything that happens if you extend your trip for "me time."

Filing a claim

Since workers' comp is a state-run program, the process for filing a claim varies somewhat. In most cases, either you or your supervisor can file the claim, and they are often available on your state's workers' comp board website. The most important thing to remember about getting your claim approved is to seek medical attention for your injury, keep all appointments, and to obey all doctor's orders. Failing to do so could make it appear that your injury was not that serious.

It's not uncommon to hit some snags when applying for workers' comp coverage. If you are having trouble with your claim, talk to a workers' comp attorney at a firm like Gilbert, Blaszcyk & Milburn LLP right away.