Simple English definitions for legal terms
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The special-errand doctrine is a rule that says if an employee is doing a special job or task for their employer away from their usual workplace, and they get hurt, they can get workers' compensation. This is different from the usual rule that says employees aren't covered for injuries that happen away from work. The going-and-coming rule is another rule that says employees usually can't get workers' compensation if they get hurt while traveling to or from work.
The special-errand doctrine is a principle in workers' compensation law that states an employee will be covered for injuries that occur while they are on a special duty or journey for their employer away from the workplace. This is an exception to the general rule that an employee is not covered for injuries that occur away from work.
These examples illustrate how the special-errand doctrine is an exception to the going-and-coming rule. If an employee is on a special duty or journey for their employer, they are considered to be within the scope of employment and therefore covered by workers' compensation for any injuries that occur.