Car Accident Before Work: Should My Company Help with Medical Bills?

My office hours are from 9 to 6, and I was involved in a car accident around 8:20. I would like to know if it is my company's responsibility to provide financial support for my medical expenses, or if I am required to cover all the expenses myself.

Company's responsibilities lie when you are at work and on the premises. Anything beyond that is your responsibility. Anyways, if you meet an accident due to your fault, why should the company be penalized.

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Were you heading towards the office for work? What about insurance coverage from the company or ESIC cover??

In non-work hour time, it's not the company's responsibility. If the company looks after your insurance (group or individual) or ESI, please check into that.

In non-work hour time it is not the company's responsibility. If company looks after your Insurance(Group or Individual); or ESI please check into that.

Accident Timing and Duty Hours

Mr. Ved_Tomar ji, as per your thread, the accident occurred at about 8:20 AM, whereas your duty time starts at 9:00 AM. Can you indicate whether at the time of the accident you were going to your office/place of work or somewhere else? Was any police report regarding the accident lodged or filed?

ESI Act Applicability

In your establishment, is the ESI Act, 1948 applicable? If so, are you considered an employee within the meaning of the said Act, and is your management ensuring compliance concerning you?

This is dependent on company policy. I am not sure if you were on duty, and if so, discuss with your HR department.

When a person is heading towards his office for duty, the theory of notional extension of workplace can apply. One needs to consider this angle also before saying the company has no liability.

I agree with Mr. Nathrao. Heading towards the office for duty is an extension of the workplace. However, I do not remember if there is a clause regarding the timeframe to be considered as below:

1. Employees are required to provide their current home address to the company. Failure to provide the present address to the employer may result in the rejection of the benefit.

2. Based on the present address, the employer should consider the approximate time of the journey from home to the office.

3. Additionally, in the police diary, the time of the accident should be mentioned.

Thanks and regards,
Debashish Dey

I too agree with Dbey. But I want to add one more point here.

1) Whether the employee is leaving from home - going to function, the office, or company duty during the journey hours, i.e., going to a vendor or client's place. If that is the case, then he'll be entitled to medical reimbursement or insurance (or ESI) coverage.

Medical benefits would depend on the type of plan offered by the employer. Some plans cover all needed treatments even if the employee is hurt while sleeping at home. Others only apply to work-related injuries or illnesses. All employees should know their benefit plans well.