Question 2

The employee's intoxication causes self-injury

An employee's intoxication that leads to self-injury can bar their Workers Compensation recovery in Virginia, as it is considered a significant factor that undermines the legitimacy of the claim.

A) The employee's intoxication causes self-injury

This option is correct because, under Virginia law, if an employee is injured while intoxicated, the employer can deny the Workers Compensation claim. Intoxication is viewed as a voluntary act that contributes directly to the injury, thereby nullifying the entitlement to compensation.

B) A fellow employee's horseplay injures the employee who is a bystander

This option is incorrect because injuries resulting from horseplay among coworkers may still be compensable under Workers Compensation, depending on the circumstances. If the injury arises during the course of employment, the bystander may still be eligible for recovery.

C) The employee's sloppy work unintentionally injures self and others

This option is incorrect as well because unintentional injuries resulting from sloppy work do not bar recovery under Workers Compensation. The system is designed to cover workplace injuries, even those arising from negligence or carelessness.

D) The employee is under age 20

This option is not a valid bar to Workers Compensation recovery. Age alone does not disqualify an employee from receiving benefits, as long as the injury occurred in the course of employment.

Conclusion

In summary, the only condition that can bar an employee's Workers Compensation recovery in Virginia, as outlined in this question, is when the injury is self-inflicted due to intoxication. Other options, including workplace injuries from horseplay or sloppy work, do not negate an employee's right to claim compensation, demonstrating the critical nature of the intoxication factor in these cases.