Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Special-Hazard Rule: This is a rule that says if an employee gets hurt while going to or coming from work on a route that has special risks or dangers, they can still get workers' compensation. This only applies if the route is not normally used by the public, except when they are going to work for the same employer. It's different from the usual rule that says employees aren't covered for injuries that happen outside of work.
The special-hazard rule is a principle in workers' compensation that states an employee is covered for injuries sustained while traveling to or from work if the route taken involves unique risks or hazards that are not typically used by the public, except when dealing with the employer.
For example, if an employee works in a construction site located in a remote area and has to take a dangerous mountain road to get there, the special-hazard rule may apply if the employee gets injured while driving to work. Another example is if an employee has to cross a busy highway to get to work, and there is no pedestrian crossing available, the special-hazard rule may apply if the employee gets hit by a car.
The special-hazard rule is an exception to the general rule that an employee is not covered for injuries that occur during their commute to and from work. It recognizes that some employees may face unique risks and hazards while traveling to work that are not present in the general public's commute.