Under which condition would Workers' Compensation benefits be denied?

Workers' Compensation benefits can be denied if an employee is injured while committing a felony. This stipulation is based on the principle that benefits are designed to cover injuries that occur in the scope of employment and that support the purpose of workplace safety. Engaging in illegal activities, particularly felonies, falls outside the protective umbrella of Workers' Compensation, as these actions typically disregard workplace regulations and safety guidelines. The rationale is that benefits should not be extended to those whose injuries arise from their commission of unlawful acts, which inherently involve risks that are not a part of their normal employment duties.

In contrast, the other scenarios presented do not fall under the same exclusion. An employee on a break might still be within the purview of their employer's responsibility for workplace safety, depending on the nature of the break and where it occurs. An employee injured walking to their car may also qualify for benefits if it is deemed an extension of their work activities, often referred to as the "coming and going" rule, which can sometimes cover injuries during this time. Lastly, injuries that occur during routine work tasks are generally covered by Workers' Compensation as they directly relate to job duties.