Staats v. Town of Vienna
Supreme Court of Virginia · 1936-09-11 · cited 2×
The case involved a workers' compensation claim by Staats against the Town of Vienna under Virginia's Workmen's Compensation Act. Staats was hired to clear snow from streets using his truck and a town-provided plow; while at his home after lunch attempting to start the truck by pouring hot water into it, he slipped, fell through a window, and lost an eye. The Industrial Commission denied the claim, finding the accident did not arise in the course of employment as it occurred at home during lunch and before the paid work began. The court affirmed the denial, reasoning that the terms of hire were hourly, the town had no duty to ready the truck, and employment commenced only when the truck was operational and ready for street use, with Staats not compensated for the lunch period or preparation time.
