What does the term “compensable injury” mean in the context of workers' compensation?

In the context of workers' compensation, "compensable injury" refers to an injury that qualifies for workers' compensation benefits based on the law. This means that the injury occurred during the course of employment and is directly related to job duties or the work environment. Under workers' compensation laws, certain criteria must be met for an injury to be deemed compensable, such as proving that the injury arose out of and occurred in the course of employment.

For an injury to be compensable, it must typically lead to medical treatment, result in a loss of earning capacity, or necessitate time off work. When the injury meets these legal standards, the injured employee is entitled to various benefits, which may include medical expenses, rehabilitation, and wage replacement.

In contrast, injuries covered by health insurance are not specifically tied to the standards and provisions of workers' compensation. Personal negligence does not provide grounds for a claim in this context since workers' compensation generally operates on a no-fault basis. Lastly, an injury with no impact on earning capacity does not qualify for benefits because one of the primary purposes of workers' compensation is to address loss of income due to work-related injuries.