What North Carolina Workers Need to Know About Injuries at Work-Sponsored Events
Company parties and team-building events are supposed to boost morale, not lead to broken bones, concussions, or workers’ compensation claims. But every year, someone ends up getting hurt at an employer-sponsored celebration. When that happens, it’s natural to ask:
- “Can I file a workers’ comp claim if I was injured at a company party?”
- “Does my employer have any responsibility if the event was off-site or after hours?”
If you’ve been hurt at a holiday party, company picnic, retreat, or happy hour, the answer is: maybe. It depends on the facts of the situation, and North Carolina law.
Let’s break down how workers’ compensation may apply when work and social events mix, and what to do if an injury interrupts the festivities.
Are Injuries at Work Parties or Events Covered by Workers' Comp in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system typically covers injuries that happen in the course and scope of employment. When it comes to parties and outings, the key question is: Was the event considered part of your job?
That depends on things like:
- Was attendance required or strongly encouraged?
- Was the event sponsored and paid for by your employer?
- Did it take place during work hours or on company property?
- Were business-related activities or training involved?
- Did management supervise or organize the event?
If the answer to several of these questions is yes, you may have a valid claim. Courts look at the totality of the circumstances, not just one factor.
Examples of Events That Might Be Covered:
- A mandatory holiday party held at a hotel where attendance was expected
- A team-building ropes course or retreat during work hours
- An on-site lunch catered by the company to celebrate a sales goal
- A warehouse injury during a scheduled morale event or contest
If the event was clearly tied to your job duties or work performance, the injury could fall under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation law (Chapter 97).
Examples of Events That May Not Be Covered:
- A casual happy hour where attendance was purely optional
- A personal outing with coworkers, paid for out of pocket
- A weekend event where no supervisors or management were present
- A party organized independently by a department, without employer oversight
That said, don’t assume you’re not covered just because the event wasn’t on-site or during normal hours. The more your employer was involved, the more likely workers’ comp may apply.
When a Personal Injury Claim May Be an Option
If workers’ comp isn’t available, you may still have a personal injury claim, especially if:
- The venue had unsafe conditions (slippery floors, poor lighting)
- Alcohol was overserved and led to injuries
- Someone else’s negligence (coworker, vendor, or guest) caused your injury
Personal injury cases allow for pain and suffering damages, which workers’ comp does not. But they require proof of fault.
What to Do If You're Hurt at a Company Event
- Report it right away – Just like any workplace injury, notify a supervisor or manager ASAP.
- Document everything – Take photos, get witness info, and write down what happened.
- Seek medical attention – Even if the injury seems minor.
- Don’t assume it’s “not work-related” – Let a lawyer help you evaluate whether your injury qualifies.
- File a Form 18 if applicable – This is how workers’ comp claims are formally initiated in North Carolina.
How Shankle Law Firm Helps in These “Gray Area” Cases
At Shankle Law Firm, we understand how confusing these situations can be. One minute you’re enjoying a toast or playing a team game, the next, you’re in pain, unsure of what to do.
Our team will:
- Evaluate whether your event-related injury qualifies for workers’ comp
- Investigate how involved your employer was in the event
- Determine whether a personal injury claim is also an option
- Help you file the right paperwork and avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim
- Advocate for the benefits or compensation you’re owed
Injured at a Company-Sponsored Event? Let’s Talk.
Just because the injury didn’t happen at your desk or on the shop floor doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. In North Carolina, holiday parties and work events may still qualify as “on the job” injuries, especially if your employer played a role in organizing, encouraging, or supervising the event.
If you’re unsure where your situation stands, give us a call. We’ll help you understand your rights and walk you through your next steps.
Schedule your free consultation today with Board-Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist Maggie Shankle.
*Please Note - The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site, using information from it, or communicating with Shankle Law Firm, PA through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact us directly at (704) 370-1212.