Can I Get Workers' Compensation if I Was Injured on My Lunch Break?

 Posted on July 07, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

If you were injured during your lunch break, you might assume that workers' compensation will not cover your injuries because you were not actually working at the time. However, the truth is more nuanced. In Illinois, there are situations where injuries sustained during a break may still be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. If your accident happened in or around your workplace, a Peoria, IL personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate your case and protect your rights.

Are Lunch Break Injuries Ever Covered by Workers’ Comp in Illinois?

Illinois law does not typically cover injuries that occur when an employee is on a personal break and not performing work duties. However, there are some important exceptions to consider. You may be eligible for benefits if your injury happened:

• In a company cafeteria or breakroom

• While you were walking to or from a break on company property

• When you were picking up lunch for your boss or performing other work-related errands

• During a working lunch, such as a meeting or business outing

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Act allows injured workers to seek benefits for accidents that "arise out of and in the course of employment." This phrase leaves room for interpretation, especially when it comes to break-time injuries. If you were hurt during a lunch break but your activities still benefited your employer or occurred in a job-related setting, your injury may still qualify.

Examples of Covered vs. Non-Covered Break-Time Injuries

Whenever a worker is injured during their break time, each case depends on the specific facts. There is no specific set of rules dictating how an injury is treated, and Illinois courts have ruled both ways in different situations. To better understand the difference, consider these two scenarios:

Example of an Injury That Is Covered

An office worker slips on a wet floor in the building’s cafeteria while grabbing lunch. The cafeteria is on company property, and the worker is still technically on the clock. This injury may be covered.

Example of an Injury That Is Not Covered

A factory worker drives off-site to pick up lunch and is injured in a car accident unrelated to work duties. This is less likely to be considered a compensable claim unless the worker was also delivering something for the company.

Contact a Springfield, IL Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you were hurt during your lunch break or while running an errand for work, you may still be entitled to compensation. Contact a Peoria, IL workers’ compensation attorney at Kanoski Bresney for a free consultation. We can help you determine whether your break-time injury qualifies under Illinois law and pursue the benefits you deserve. Call 888-826-8682 to speak with us today.