Which of the following best describes a compensable injury?

A compensable injury is defined as an injury that arises out of and occurs in the course of employment. This means that the injury must have a direct connection to the work that the employee is doing at the time of the injury. This definition is critical in workers' compensation cases, as it establishes the eligibility for benefits.

In this context, the focus is on the relationship between the injury and the employment duties. If an injury is considered compensable, the injured employee is entitled to certain benefits, including medical treatment and wage loss compensation. The legal standards and criteria involve evaluating whether the injury was related to the job responsibilities and whether it happened while the employee was engaged in their work activities.

The other options involve circumstances that typically do not meet the criteria for compensable injuries. For instance, injuries sustained during a lunch break, off premises, or while commuting usually involve factors outside the scope of employment, thus making those incidents less likely to qualify for compensation under workers' compensation laws. Therefore, the essential characteristic that defines a compensable injury is its direct relation to employment activities.