"State court: Workers’ comp OK for kickball injury" Associated Press August 28, 2014
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Have you ever been hurt in a company softball or kickball game? The South Carolina Supreme Court says you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
On Wednesday, the court ruled that Stephen Whigham, who was injured in a company kickball game, is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits because he was required to attend the game.
Whigham worked for Jackson Dawson Communications, a public relations firm.
With the encouragement of his boss, he organized a kickball game as a team-building event for employees. He rented a facility and had T-shirts made.
During the game, Whigham shattered two bones in his leg while trying to avoid being tagged out.
He underwent two surgeries and has been told that he’ll ultimately need a knee replacement, according to court documents. A hearing will be held to figure out how much Whigham should get.
The high court said Whigham had to be there because he organized the game, so it had become part of his job duties.
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