Work Injuries Lawyer
When you get hurt at work or suffer from an illness caused by your job, the situation is handled differently than injuries in other settings. Your injury or condition is probably covered by the Tennessee workers’ compensation program. That means you may be eligible for certain benefits, but you need to follow the rules to claim those benefits.
You may also have to file appeals to get those benefits, and you may need to request a hearing before a judge in the Courts of Workers’ Compensation Claims. Insurance companies frequently deny claims, so applicants find it very helpful to rely on an experienced workers compensation attorney.
The Grimmett Law Firm fights for injured workers to get the benefits and compensation they deserve. If you’ve been hurt on the job, we invite you to contact us now to discuss your best options for moving forward.
Workers’ Compensation vs. Lawsuit
The workers’ compensation system was set up to make it easy for employees injured at work to get medical care so they could get back to work. Unlike a traditional lawsuit, you don’t have to prove that your employer was negligent to get benefits. You have to prove the injury occurred in the course and scope of your employment, but you don’t have to demonstrate that your employer did anything wrong. This makes it much easier to qualify for benefits.
The trade-off is that you cannot receive as much compensation as you could potentially receive through a lawsuit. You can get benefits to replace a portion of the wages you would have earned if the injury didn’t prevent you from working, and you can get medical care. If your injury or work-related illness causes a permanent disability, you can receive some additional compensation. But you cannot recover damages for your pain, suffering, and emotional distress through a workers’ compensation claim.
However, if your injury was caused by a third party, or if you are an independent contractor rather than an employee, we can help you pursue compensation through a lawsuit. Then you could receive damages for additional losses, but we will need to start collecting evidence immediately to demonstrate liability.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
When you are hurt on the job, you need to take care of your health, but you also need to be aware of long-term needs. If your injury is serious, call an ambulance or go to the emergency room for care. If your medical needs aren’t as urgent, you should still seek medical help as soon as possible, but you will need to see a doctor authorized by your employer. Every employer that participates in the workers’ compensation program is supposed to post or provide a list of authorized care providers.
You must also report your injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible. If you do not report the injury within 15 days, you are likely to lose your right to benefits.
Once you report your injury, your supervisor is supposed to submit a report to the insurance company providing workers’ compensation insurance and that starts the claim process. It is also a good idea to consult an attorney for advice at this point. You don’t want to miss any deadlines or make a mistake that could jeopardize your claim.
Get Help After a Work Injury or Illness
The workers’ compensation program in Tennessee not only provides benefits for workers hurt in accidents but also those suffering from illnesses or conditions that developed because of their duties or work environment. If an employer or the party responsible for an injury is not covered by workers’ compensation, then we can file a claim in court to seek compensation for your losses, including your pain and emotional anguish.
Make sure you get the full benefits to which you are entitled. Contact the Grimmett Law Firm to put our team to work for you today.