What You Should Do Following a Work Injury in Tennessee

If you have been injured at work, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to receive compensation for your work-related injuries. In Tennessee, there are benefits available to injured workers known as workers’ compensation.

According to Tennessee Workers’ Compensation law, employers with five or more full or part time employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance and all employers in the construction or mining industries must carry the coverage. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid by your employer’s insurance company.

After an accident at work that results in injuries, you need to report it immediately to your employer. You should make the report in writing, which must be made within 30 days of the date of your injury or when a physician first informs you that your injury is work-related. Missing this deadline could affect your eligibility to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Tennessee.

Upon receiving your injury report, your employer will notify the insurance carrier and will complete a First Report of Injury. Your employer should provide you with a choice of three physicians to choose from and once you select one, he or she will be considered your authorized treating physician. The authorized treating physician will be the one providing treatment at your employer’s expense. Your employer should also give you the name and number of the insurance company that provides the workers’ compensation benefits.

The insurance company is required to get in contact with you within two working days after being notified of your injury. The insurer has up to 15 days to accept or deny your claim and must notify you of the decision. If you disagree with the insurance company’s decision, you can get a second opinion and should contact a Tennessee workers’ compensation attorney.

If you are approved for workers’ comp benefits, you should receive your first payment within 15 days after you have reported your injury. Payments will equal 66 2/3 percent of your average weekly wages for the 52 weeks prior to the date of your injury. These payments are made at least semi-monthly.

The process of applying and maintaining your workers’ compensation benefits can be overwhelming. The workers’ comp lawyers at Phillip Miller & Associates can help you determine if you are being paid the correct amount and will make sure you do not unnecessarily lose your benefits. Contact us today at (800) 337-HURT (4878) or (615) 356-2000 for expert legal advice.

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