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Dec 29, 2021

What is Considered a Compensable Injury?

Understanding What Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Comp

Compensable injuries are loosely defined as any injury that can be associated with a worker’s job functions. For an injury to be compensable in Georgia, it must have been directly caused by (or “arisen out of”) work-related activity and happened at the workplace during working hours (or “in the course of” your workday). This will allow you to qualify for benefits under workers’ compensation coverage.

Examples of Compensable Injuries

In simplest terms, any injury that resulted from carrying out work tasks may be considered compensable depending on the circumstances. Some of the most common may include:

  • Slip and fall injuries
  • Cumulative trauma or repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel or arthritis
  • Temporary or permanent disability
  • Occupational disease

If you have questions about whether your injury is compensable, call 770-922-3660.

What Is Not a Compensable Injury?

Injuries that may not be considered compensable under workers’ compensation laws include:

  • Workplace fights or assault
  • Injuries caused by pranks or horsing around
  • Injuries that occur off-site at lunch or another location when off the clock
  • Pre-existing conditions (however, if your work duties aggravated a pre-existing condition, it may count as a compensable injury)
  • Emotional distress or mental illnesses (if it is not related to a physical injury)

While the above mentioned injury causes are often not considered compensable, there may be some circumstances in which the court interprets the law differently. To best understand if your incident qualifies you to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, speak with an attorney to discuss your potential case.

Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys has over 60 years of combined experience advocating for workers’ rights and are prepared to help you take on your case. If you were injured at work in Georgia or Alabama, we are here to help.

Schedule a free consultation with a member of our team by calling 770-922-3660 or filling out this short form. Multilingual services are available.

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