What Kinds of Workplace Injuries Must be Compensated by Employers?

Getting injured while working can lead to a loss of income, short- or long-term disability, and years of medical treatments and expenses. Workers’ compensation gives employees the support they need to recover from these and other losses.

But not all work-related injuries are the same. Knowing what kinds of work injuries require employers to provide you with the compensation you deserve is the first step in your recovery.

Defining Work-Related Injuries

Work-related injuries are those that occur while a person is active in the course of their employment or while representing their employer.

Injuries that result from the workplace can generally be deemed workplace injuries. But injuries that occur away from the workplace may also be classified as a compensable work-related injury.

The use of employment vehicles, business travel, work events, and other situations must also be considered when discussing workers’ compensation.

How businesses classify employees and other factors determine the compensation that’s granted to workers.

Compensable Workplace Injuries in Georgia

Georgia employees are entitled to receive workers’ compensation after they’ve been injured on the job. But employees must understand that not all workplace injuries will result in the compensation they want.

According to Georgia state law, compensation is granted only in cases where the injury arose out of employment activities and when individuals are injured in the course of their employment.

The injured party must demonstrate a direct connection between the injury and the events or conditions of the workplace.

There must be a causal connection with the duties related to employment. Compensable injuries must occur during the time in which an individual is employed by an organization.

They must be shown to have resulted from performing employment responsibilities. This is especially important for injuries that occurred away from the primary workplace.

On-Site and Off-Site Work Injuries

Workplace injuries include physical trauma, illness, and psychological harm. Employers are required to provide compensation for these injuries, and employees must understand how to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Pre-existing health issues that have been aggravated by work activities may also be covered. Your health history will be considered when determining your compensation.

If your injury was the result of aggravating a pre-existing health issue, your employer must provide enough compensation to help you return to the condition you were in prior to the aggravation. Exposure to harmful materials may lead to compensable injuries as well as repetitive strain resulting from long-term exposure to repeated movements or heavy loads.

Psychological and emotional challenges are only compensable when they are shown to be a direct result of some physical trauma.

Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney helps you determine what compensation you may have coming to you.

Injuries can occur at a location other than your primary workplace. Off-site accidents commonly arise out of some negligence by the employer or a third party. Poor safety conditions and other factors can result in a wide range of injuries.

Get Compensated for Your Workplace Injury

Your personal injury attorney will give you the resources you need to file a successful workers’ compensation claim.

You’ll have to notify your employer within the 30-day period after an injury has taken place or when you’ve become aware of any damages. You must provide details related to the accident as well as the injuries that resulted from it.

There are many factors that determine whether or not a workplace injury is compensable. Understanding Georgia’s laws related to these injuries helps you choose the best strategy for your claim.

Getting the compensation you deserve gives you the financial resources you need to recover from your injuries, restore your quality of life, and secure your family’s wellbeing.

Contact our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at The Larrison Law Firm today!