Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Russian Roulette Not Compensable

This article was edited and reviewed by FindLaw Attorney Writers

| Last reviewed

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.

An armored truck employee died on the job while playing Russian Roulette. The security guard was required to carry a hand gun while performing his job. In August of 1989 he was assigned with two other guards to the employer's armored trucks. As the three men were driving along a highway carrying a load of money, the decedent pulled out his gun, put a bullet in the cylinder, spun the cylinder, placed the gun against his chin, and pulled the trigger. The gun did not discharge. The deceased employee then spun the cylinder again, placed the gun back under his chin and again pulled the trigger. This time the gun fired and killed him instantly.

The Court held the event to be not compensable. Even though it occurred on the job the Court reasoned that the risk was not connected to his employment. Money v. Coin Depot Corporation, (N.J. App. Div. 1997).

Was this helpful?

Copied to clipboard