California Workers’ Comp and the Commercial Travelers Rule: When Business Travel Injuries Are Covered
Of you were injured on a work trip — whether flying to a conference, staying in a hotel, or grabbing dinner between meetings — you may be entitled to California workers’ compensation benefits, even if you think injury didn’t happen “on the job.”
What Is the Commercial Travelers Rule?
California’s Commercial Travelers Rule provides some of the broadest protection under the state’s workers’ compensation laws. The rule holds that an employee traveling for work is considered to be acting in the course and scope of employment for the entire period of travel, not just during specific work duties.
In other words, once your trip begins, virtually anything that happens while you’re away on business can be considered work-related.
The rule was established in Wiseman v. Industrial Accident Commission (1956) 46 Cal.2d 570, where the California Supreme Court held that a traveling employee remains within the course of employment “during the entire period of travel,” including time spent eating, sleeping, or engaging in reasonable leisure activities.
Common Examples of Covered Work-Trip Injuries
Under the Commercial Travelers Rule, workers’ comp benefits often apply to:
Car accidents while driving to or from an airport, hotel, or client meeting
Injuries from hotel falls, burns, or slip-and-falls
Food poisoning or allergic reactions from business meals
Heart attacks or blood clots (such as pulmonary embolisms) from long flights
Injuries during reasonable recreation or exercise while on business travel
Even death during work related travel is almost always covered by the commerical travelers rule. (Limited exceptions apply)
Even if you were off the clock or engaging in a personal activity (like having dinner or taking a short walk), your injury may still be covered if it’s considered a reasonable incident of employment. Goin
The courts confirmed this in Leonard Van Stelle, Inc. v. IAC (Hartman) (1963) 28 CCC 140, holding that travel itself — including lodging and meals — is part of employment.
Why the Rule Is So Broad
The idea behind the rule is simple: when you’re required to travel for work, you’re exposed to risks you wouldn’t otherwise face. Because that risk exists only due to your employment, California law considers it compensable.
So whether your trip was from Los Angeles to San Diego, Victorville to Sacramento, or Ontario to San Francisco, or from California to anywhere in the World, once your travel began for work, you’re protected for the entire trip — from departure to return.
Real-World Examples
A salesperson driving from Palmdale to a trade show in Anaheim crashes while stopping for coffee. Covered.
A project manager from Los Angeles slips in a hotel shower while staying overnight for a training event. Covered.
A technician flying from Ontario International Airport develops a blood clot after a long flight to New York. Covered.
Even if the injury happened after hours or during a short personal errand, if it’s reasonably connected to the trip, it’s generally compensable.
What If the Employer Disputes Coverage?
Insurance companies often try to deny these claims by arguing the worker was on a “personal deviation.” But California courts interpret this rule in favor of coverage, especially when the trip was required or paid for by the employer.
If you were hurt during a business trip — even out of state or overseas — you may have a valid workers’ compensation claim in California.
Speak With Experienced Los Angeles Work Injury Attorneys
At Lee Partners Law: Work Injury Attorneys, our certified specialists represent injured employees across Los Angeles County, the Inland Empire, and the High Desert, including Victorville, Palmdale, Lancaster, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
David A Lee and Michael Lee are expert certified attorneys in Workers’ Compensation who can overcome insurance company denials and ensure you get the benefits you are entitled.
We’ve handled countless cases where insurance companies wrongly denied coverage under the Commercial Travelers Rule. If your injury happened while traveling for work, we can help prove it’s covered under California law and maximize your benefits.