Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Have you been injured on the job in Tennessee? Under the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. This compensation will help you and your family as you take time off of work to recovery from your work-related injuries. Workers’ compensation payments will be made to you through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.

You should receive your first workers’ compensation benefit payment within fifteen days after your injury. Payments are made at least semi-monthly. To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you will need to have a doctor’s statement for time away from work.

After an accident on the job, you will need to be seen by a treating physician who will determine if you need to take time away from work to recover from your injuries. As an injured employee you are entitled to 66 2/3 percent of your average weekly income (there are legal minimum and maximum amounts for workers’ compensation benefits). The average weekly income will be calculated by reviewing your gross earnings for the fifty-two weeks prior to your injury. Your employer will be required to submit a wage statement that will list your gross earnings during that time period. The earnings are totaled and divided by 52. The amount is then multiplied by .6667. Here is an example of how your weekly benefits would be calculated:

Total gross earnings for 52 weeks: $40,000
Gross weekly earnings ($40,000/52): $769.23
Weekly Workers’ Compensation Rate ($769.23 x 66 2/3%): $512.85

As an injured worker in Tennessee, you are also entitled to medical benefits. Under the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act, your employer is required to provide a panel of three physicians for you to choose from. The physician you choose will become your “authorized treating physician” who will direct all of your medical treatment. Your medical treatment will last for as long as the authorized treating physician requires.

If your authorized treating physician prescribes medication, you will be able to receive reimbursement. Usually you will need to pay the pharmacy when your prescription is filled and then file a receipt for reimbursement with the insurance company.

Sometimes employers and their insurance companies are not very accommodating and may make it difficult for you to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If that happens, you need to have an experienced Tennessee workers’ compensation attorney on your side looking out for your best interests. Contact Phillip Miller & Associates at (800) 337-HURT (4878) or (615) 356-2000 for a free, no obligation consultation today.

Phillip Miller & Associates
631 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: (615) 356-2000
Fax: (615) 242-1739
Toll Free: (800) 337-HURT
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