Injured on the Job in Tennessee?

If you have been injured on the job in Tennessee, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.  These benefits are designed to provide you with weekly income, as well as medical benefits.  The article, Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Benefits, discusses in depth the benefits available to injured workers.

Workers’ comp benefits are paid through your employer’s insurance company and usually begin about fifteen days after the date of your injury.  After a work-related accident, you will need to see a treating physician who will be the one to decide if you need to take time away from work to recover from your injuries.  Your employer is required by law to provide you with a panel of three different physicians to choose from.  Once you select your physician, he or she will become your “authorized treating physician” and will oversee your medical treatment.  The authorized treating physician will be able to provide you with a doctor’s statement for time away from work.

Weekly benefits are paid at least semi-monthly and are calculated as a percentage of your gross income.  Workers’ comp benefits are equal to 66 2/3 percent of your average weekly salary.  Your employer will be required to submit a wage statement that reflects your gross earnings for the last 52 weeks.  This amount is divided by 52 and then multiplied by .6667.  The total is your weekly workers’ compensation rate.  For example, if you made $40,000 the previous year, your weekly workers’ compensation rate would be $512.85 (40,000/52 x .6667).

The process to apply for workers’ compensation benefits in Tennessee can be complex, especially if you are dealing with an uncooperative insurance company and employer.  A Tennessee workers’ compensation attorney can help you receive the workers’ comp benefits in which you are entitled and will ensure that you are treated fairly.  If you have been injured while working in Tennessee and are considering applying for workers’ comp, contact Phillip Miller & Associates at (800) 337-HURT (4878) or (615) 356-2000 for legal advice.