Question

Immar Medrano was employed as a journeyman electrician by Marshall Electrical Contracting, Inc. (MEC), in Marshall, Missouri. Medrano attended an electrician apprenticeship night class at a community college in Sedalia, Missouri. MEC paid Medrano’s tuition and book fees. Attendance at the course required Medrano to drive 70 miles roundtrip. One night, when Medrano was driving home from the class, a drunk driver crossed the centerline of U.S. Highway 65 and collided head-on with Medrano’s automobile. Medrano died in the accident. His wife and two children filed a workers’ compensation claim for death benefits against MEC. Are Medrano’s actions at the time of the automobile accident within the course and scope of his employment, thus entitling his heirs to workers’ compensation benefits? Medrano v. Marshall Electrical Contracting Inc., 173 S.W.3d 333, 2005 Mo. App. Lexis 1088 (Court of Appeals of Missouri, 2005)

Answer 1

yes, Medrano's family is entitled to workers' compensation.

Workers' compensaiton is given to those family whose family member was an employee of the company and sustained an injury or lost his life while on the job. While on the job means that he was working within the scope and authority of his employement.

facts : Medrano was going home from the apprenticeship program that he was required to attend as it was the instructions of his employer, MEC. Since he acted on the instructions of employer ,he was working within his scope of employment when he was going back home from program which entitles his family to the compensation.