Teacher to get workers comp for ski trip accident

BOSTON -- The Supreme Court ruled Friday that a teacher hurt while chaperoning a Peabody High School ski trip is entitled to workers compensation benefits.

Karen Sikorski, a math teacher, fell and hurt her shoulder during a 2004 ski trip to Mount Ascutney in Vermont, requiring two surgeries and physical therapy.

Officials argued that Sikorski should not be entitled to workers compensation because her injury occurred during a recreational activity she volunteered for.

Initally, Sikorski filed a claim for benefits, and the city contended that it was not liable. Two administrative judges rejected her claim.

Sikorski appealed to a state board that oversees the workers compensation system. The decision was reversed and the judges awarded her benefits. The city appealed that decision.

The Supreme Judicial Court upheld the board ruling, saying that "a teacher who acts as a chaperone to students participating in a school-sponsored activity is acting in the course of her employment."

While Sikorski's participation was voluntary, it was expected that she would be on the slopes with the students.

Her attorney said Sikorski used sick time for her surgeries and physical therapy. Her claim was to recover her sick time and any medical co-payments not covered by her health insurance.

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