Iowa’s Coming and Going Rule Should I Receive Iowa Workers’ Compensation Benefits if I am Injured Off the Employer’s Property? l Back To Main Page

A client of ours named Mary, was injured when she slipped and fell on ice while walking on a public sidewalk outside of her work.  She had already punched out on the clock of her hourly job and was walking to her car when she fell.  The insurance company denied her claim stating that since she was not on the clock or on the employer’s property that they were not responsible under Iowa’s Workers’ Compensation laws.

The general rule is that absent special circumstances, and employee is not entitled to compensation for injuries occurring off of the employer’s premises on the way to and from work.  Farmers Elevator Co., Kingsley v. Manning, 286 N.W.2d 174, 178 (Iowa 1979).  However, since Farmers, several decisions have paved the way to a number of exceptions to this rule, what is commonly referred to as “the coming and going” rule.  Thankfully, for Mary, our attorneys knew and understood this somewhat complicated law.  One of the exceptions is if you are being paid to run an errand.  Another exception is if you work from home and are traveling to the office.  The exception to the rule that applied to Mary is known as “The Extension of the Premises Exception.”  See, Frost v. S.S. Kreesge Co,, 299 N.W.2d 646 (Iowa 1980).  In Frost, the injured worked fell outside of her place of employment on a public sidewalk. The Court held that it counted as a work injury finding that “this fall was closely connected in time, location, and employee usage to the work premise itself to entitle Mrs. Frost to the protection of the workers’ compensation statute.”  The Court further held that since the employer had exercised control over the sidewalk that it became an extension of the business premise.

Even though Mary was off the clock and not on her employer’s property when she fell, the “Extension of Premise Exception” applied providing her with workers’ compensation benefits.   To learn more including the 7 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid if You are Hurt at Work order you copy of our FREE Book entitled “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries”.  Why offer a Free Book?  We have represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and have seen too many clients make mistakes before they had the “right” information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars.  Finally, you can learn about work injuries in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation.  However, this is a limited offer so to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and your rights Call Now (800)-850-6617, ext. 711 (24 Hour Message) or go to www.IowaWorkInjury.com.