In the parking lot injury example, the injury is considered compensable for which of the following reasons?

• A. Compensable
• B. Noncompensable
• C. Compensable due to safe-workplace obligation
• D. Noncompensable due to going-and-coming rule

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that workers’ compensation covers injuries that occur in the workplace or in areas the employer controls because of the obligation to keep a safe environment. A parking lot is part of the workplace when the employer maintains it and employees use it as part of their job. If an injury happens there and is connected to work activities or to safety on the premises, it is compensable.

In this scenario, the injury arises from the employer’s duty to provide a safe workplace, which includes the parking area. That duty keeps the parking lot within the scope of employment, so the injury is compensable. The going-and-coming rule typically would bar coverage for a pure commute, but the parking-lot injury here is tied to the workplace environment and safety obligations, making it compensable.