NY Appellate Court rules Google employee’s traumatic brain injury after company happy hour is compensable. Markhoff & Mittman P.C., Yonkers workers’ comp lawyers, emphasize the importance of legal support for employees injured during work-related events and the need for workplace safety beyond traditional hours.
Google Loses Workers’ Compensation Case for Employee Injured After ‘Happy Hour’
Google faced a setback on Thursday as the New York Appellate Division upheld a workers’ compensation claim for an account executive who was seriously injured after leaving a company-sponsored “happy hour” event. The unanimous 5-0 decision affirmed that the employee’s injuries arose from his employment, despite the informal nature of the gathering.
Employee Injured Leaving After Hours Networking Event
The incident occurred in October 2021 when Bruce A. Matter, a Google employee, attended a work function at a Manhattan beer garden. Upon leaving, Matter was struck by two motorized bicycles while crossing the street, resulting in multiple injuries including a traumatic brain injury.
Justice Christine M. Clark, writing for the court, emphasized that the employer benefited from the employee’s participation in the event. The court noted that the happy hour was an invitation-only gathering where employees were encouraged to network with one of Google’s key business partners for its Cloud services.
Implications for Employers
This ruling may prompt companies to reconsider their approach to off-site work events. However, legal experts suggest that employers are unlikely to significantly change their expectations for employees to participate in non-traditional work hours and events.
Google’s Response to NY Appellate Court’s Ruling
Google’s appeal was handled by Addison O’Donnell from Lois Law Firm of Manhattan. The firm has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
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Prioritizing Safety Beyond Traditional Work Hours
The Google case underscores the critical importance of workplace safety, not just during regular office hours, but also during work-related activities like happy hours and networking events. Employers must recognize that their duty of care extends to these situations, as they can directly benefit from employee participation.
Legal Support for Injured Workers
Workers injured in work-related activities, whether on-site or off-site, may face complex legal challenges when seeking compensation. The workers’ compensation attorneys at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C. are dedicated to supporting victims of such accidents. They work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure injured workers receive the compensation they deserve.
These legal professionals understand the nuances of workers’ compensation law and can navigate the complexities of cases involving non-traditional work settings. Their expertise is invaluable in securing fair outcomes for workers injured while furthering their employer’s interests, even in informal settings.
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Brian Mittman, the Managing Partner and Owner at Markhoff & Mittman, P.C., embodies the spirit of "An Unexpected Legal Experience" in both his personal and professional life. With unwavering dedication, Brian tirelessly advocates for the rights of injured and disabled individuals in New York.
