A German court rules that employees at office parties are still "at work" until their supervisor leaves.

The case was brought by an employee seeking damages for a severe head injury sustained at his company's Christmas party.

His skull was damaged when he slipped on the steps of the restaurant where the party was being held.

The case ended up at the social affairs court in Frankfurt after the company's accident insurance company refused to pay disability to the man.

The court ruled that because the man was technically still at work, the insurance firm would have to pay.

The court's statement says, "Up until the end of a work-related gathering accident insurance coverage continues until it is officially over. If this time is not fixed, participants can assume it continues as long as the senior employee is present."