If you experience a work-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia. However, some actions can harm your chances of obtaining your benefits.

Avoid these mistakes that can affect your ability to qualify for workers’ comp.

Workplace misconduct

You cannot collect workers’ compensation benefits if your injury resulted from willful misconduct at the workplace, meaning you knowingly and purposely acted inappropriately. Examples include:

• Drug and alcohol use
• Horseplay
• Fighting

On the other hand, injuries related to honest errors do not affect workers’ comp eligibility. You can still receive benefits if a mistake such as rushing or not paying attention resulted in your injury. However, your employer may have consequences for unsafe conduct, such as suspension or job loss.

Failure to follow procedure

You can also lose your right to claim workers’ compensation if you do not follow the right process. For example, you must promptly report any illness diagnosis or injury to your supervisor and you may not submit fraudulent information in a workers’ comp claim.

You must also attend all required medical appointments, cooperate with the investigation of your claim including drug and alcohol testing if requested, and adhere to all treatment prescribed by the authorized physician.

Georgia can also discontinue benefits if you engage in outside employment while on total disability. Payments will stop when the authorized treating physician clears you to return to work, even if you fail to do so.

Following the rules can help protect your right to receive payment for your medical treatment and lost wages if you suffer a workplace injury or illness.