In an affirming judgment, the Virginia court has expanded the concept of a company’s premises in workers’ compensation claims through a doctrine referred to as the extended premises doctrine. The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission’s judgment was over an injury claim by Milly Sullivan, a customer service representative from United Airlines.
The court concluded that the injury Sullivan suffered was indeed within United’s premises. This was based on the fact that the incident occurred within a close proximity to the terminal, thereby involving the property of the company. This landmark ruling effectively broadens the scope of a company’s legal grounds in worker’s compensation suits.
Under the extended premises doctrine, an injury that occurs on the way to or from work on the employer’s premises could be deemed to fall under workers’ compensation. This doctrine particularly acknowledges the reality of expansive properties, where entry and exit might not be confined to a specific point.
Keeping abreast of developments like these is crucial for legal professionals, as they could have significant impacts on future workers’ compensation lawsuits. For comprehensive details of this particular case and a deeper understanding of the extended premises doctrine, refer to the original article on this ruling found here.