The state of Florida has, over the years, enacted laws establishing programs designed to alleviate the hardships experienced by workers of this state in times of distress. These programs are structured in such a way as to render assistance expeditiously, inexpensively, and without encumbrance of any nature, with the goal of reducing to a minimum the suffering caused to workers in certain situations.

One of these laws relates to injuries or death while living in workplace housing. This law is also known as the “Bunkhouse Rule.”

The bunkhouse rule is the legal principle that stands for the proposition that the course of employment requirement in workers’ compensation is satisfied when an employee is injured while living on the employer’s premises if the employment contract contemplates (or the work necessity requires) the employee to reside on the employer’s premises.

For example, when a maintenance person is required to live on the premises of an apartment complex or RV facility, and is injured or dies.

The application of workers’ compensation under the bunkhouse rule depends noton whether an employee had a choice to live on the premises of the employer, but rather, whether the employment agreement necessitated the employee to liveon the premises. Hence, the bunkhouse rule provides extra protection to employees who live in employer provided housing.

Next Steps

If you or a loved one is living in employer provided housing and suffered an injury or death, it’s best to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney today to understand your rights. Contact Probinsky & Cole today to schedule your free consultation.