{"id":164975,"date":"2025-08-24T10:01:58","date_gmt":"2025-08-24T10:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/is-falling-down-the-stairs-while-drunk-at-a-company-party-considered-a-workplace-accident\/"},"modified":"2025-08-24T10:02:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T10:02:00","slug":"is-falling-down-the-stairs-while-drunk-at-a-company-party-considered-a-workplace-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/is-falling-down-the-stairs-while-drunk-at-a-company-party-considered-a-workplace-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"Is falling down the stairs while drunk at a company party considered a workplace accident?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n<\/picture>
Some co-workers at a company party (Canva)<\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The \u00a0dinners\u00a0 and \u00a0company parties\u00a0 are a classic in Spain, especially during \u00a0Christmas\u00a0 or at the completion of an important project. Although these gatherings may appear to be purely social, they are often seen as an \u00a0extension of the workplace\u00a0. However, the situation can become complex if a worker suffers an \u00a0accident\u00a0 during such an event after consuming \u00a0alcohol\u00a0. The implications of this scenario depend on legal regulations and the interpretations made by the courts.<\/p>\n

According to the \u00a0General Social Security Law (LGSS, Article 156)\u00a0, any injury sustained by a worker while engaged in activities performed on behalf of their employer is classified as a \u00a0work accident\u00a0. This legal framework also accounts for circumstances that extend beyond the immediate workplace, including company-sponsored events and trips.<\/p>\n

Judicial doctrine posits that activities organized by the company\u2014like \u00a0corporate parties\u00a0, \u00a0Christmas meals\u00a0, and \u00a0incentive trips\u00a0\u2014are considered part of the professional realm. Even when they occur outside of official working hours and the typical office environment, these gatherings aim to foster \u00a0team cohesion\u00a0 and enhance workplace relationships, thus linking them back to professional activities.<\/p>\n

Consequently, if a worker suffers an accident during a company event, the default position is to classify the incident as a work accident, given that participation in these events is inherently connected to their professional role.<\/p>\n

However, the situation takes a turn when alcohol consumption is involved. \u00a0Article 156.4 of the LGSS\u00a0 specifies that incidents resulting from the \u00a0malicious intent or reckless behavior of the worker\u00a0 are excluded from consideration as work accidents.<\/p>\n

Two key legal concepts must be distinguished here:<\/p>\n