Key Takeaways:
- You may still be eligible for workers’ compensation in Georgia, even if you weren’t clocked in when the injury happened.
- Georgia law looks at whether you were doing something for your employer’s benefit, not just your timecard status.
- Common examples include arriving early, preparing for work, or being on company property.
- Don’t assume you have no case—talk to an attorney first.
- Hines Law helps injured workers across Georgia fight for the benefits they deserve—regardless of immigration status.
Do You Have to Be Clocked In to File a Claim?
No! In Georgia, workers’ compensation doesn’t depend solely on whether your shift has officially started or whether you’re “on the clock.”
What matters more is whether you were:
- On company property
- Doing something related to your job
- Within the “course and scope of employment”
That means you might still be eligible for benefits like medical care, lost wages, and disability, even if your injury happened right before clocking in.
When Are You “On the Job” Legally in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, you may be considered “on the job” even before your shift starts if:
- You’re required to be at a certain place at a certain time
- You were doing a task to prepare for work
- You were walking into the building, parking lot, or work zone
- You were changing into uniforms or protective gear
- You were clocking in on a device after starting work physically
This is known as the “coming and going” rule exception—meaning the moment you enter your employer’s premises or start work-related activities, your coverage may begin.
Examples of Injuries Before Clocking In
Here are some real-world scenarios where an injured worker may still qualify for workers’ comp:
- Slipping in the parking lot while walking toward the timeclock
- Falling down stairs in the building while reporting to your workstation
- Injury while helping set up equipment before your official shift start
- Getting hit by a forklift while entering the job site
- Burned or shocked while prepping a machine during “unpaid prep time”
Even if your supervisor says you weren’t “on the clock,” Georgia courts may still see you as an active employee.
How Employers and Insurance Companies Try to Deny These Cases
Employers and insurance companies often deny claims like this by saying:
- “You weren’t clocked in yet.”
- “You were off the clock and not working.”
- “You were on a break or hadn’t started your shift.”
But that’s not the end of the story.
Georgia’s workers’ compensation law protects workers—especially when they were on company property, reporting to duty, or doing something beneficial for the employer.
Let Hines Law challenge those denials and prove your case.
What To Do If You’re Injured Before Work Starts
If you’re hurt before clocking in:
- Report the injury immediately to your supervisor
- Document everything – take photos, gather witness names
- Get medical attention right away
- Do not assume you’re disqualified—clock-in time is not everything
- Call Hines Law to protect your rights from the beginning
Why Hines Law Is the Right Firm to Call
We’ve helped hundreds of Georgia workers win benefits—even in complicated cases like this.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Deep experience in Georgia workers’ comp law
- Full Spanish-language support
- Offices across metro Atlanta, Gainesville, Marietta, Dalton, Jonesboro, and Austell
- We fight for undocumented workers, too—because your rights matter regardless of status
- No upfront cost—you pay nothing unless we win
Start Your Free Case Review Today
Don’t let confusion—or your employer—keep you from getting help. You might be eligible for:
- Medical care
- Weekly wage replacement
- Disability payments
- Job retraining if you can’t return to your work
Call, text, or send us a message on WhatsApp now.
Free consultations available 24/7.
No win = no fee. Let’s fight for what you’re owed.
FAQ – Injured Before Clocking In
Am I still covered if I was walking in from the parking lot?
Yes—if the lot is owned, controlled, or required by your employer.
What if my boss said I wasn’t on the clock, so it’s not their problem?
They may be wrong. Timeclock status isn’t the only factor—call us for a second opinion.
I’m undocumented—can I still file?
Yes. Workers’ compensation in Georgia does not depend on immigration status.
What if I clocked in with an app or after I started working physically?
You may still be covered. Courts often look at the work being done, not just when you hit a button.