Worker Gets Benefits for Crash Despite Leaving Job Site Without Employer's Approval

A California appellate court upheld an award of benefits to a worker for his injuries from a car accident that happened after he left a fire camp without his employer’s knowledge and in violation of its rules, and used marijuana. Braden Nanez worked for 3 Stonedeggs Inc., a mobile food service that contracts with the U.S. Forest Service to provide meals for firefighters and supporting personnel. Nanez began working for the company in September 2020 at the age of 19. He was stationed at a fire camp in Brownsville and elected to stay on-site to get as many work hours as possible. O...