Kick(ball) in the pants

By: Associated Press//August 27, 2014//

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By MEG KINNARD
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Have you ever been hurt in a company softball or kickball game? The South Carolina Supreme Court says you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.

The court ruled Wednesday that Stephen Whigham, who was injured in a company kickball game, is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits because he was required to attend the game as part of his job.

Whigham worked for Jackson Dawson Communications, a public relations firm. He organized a kickball game as a team-building event for employees. During a game, he shattered two bones in his leg trying to avoid a tag and ultimately needed a knee replacement.

Workers’ compensation commissioners initially denied Whigham’s claim. The high court said Whigham had to be there because he organized the game, so it had become part of his job.

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