What is the definition of a "compensable injury" under West Virginia law?

The definition of a "compensable injury" under West Virginia law is indeed an injury that arises out of and in the course of employment. This means that for an injury to be considered compensable, it must have occurred while the employee was performing job-related duties and directly related to their job responsibilities. This concept is key to determining eligibility for workers' compensation benefits, as it establishes a direct connection between the work environment and the injury.

In this context, being injured while engaged in work activities or while utilizing employer-provided facilities reinforces the relationship between the incident and the employment itself. For instance, if an employee is injured while performing their job tasks or while traveling for work purposes, that injury would typically be compensable.

The other options do not fit the definition of a compensable injury. An injury occurring outside of work hours does not meet the requirement of arising out of and in the course of employment. A non-work-related injury that prevents work is not compensable as it doesn't relate to the job. Lastly, an injury that requires hospitalization does not automatically qualify as compensable unless it meets the criteria of occurring during employment activities. Thus, the focus on the employment relationship is crucial in determining whether an injury can be compensated under West Virginia's