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Tennessee Workers' Compensation FAQ

Chattanooga Workers' Compensation Lawyer

The Tennessee Workers' Compensation program is a no-fault insurance program which employers that have five or more employees is required by law to provide. It's purpose is to provide medical and financial benefits to employees that fall ill or are injured while on the job. If you become sick or are injured while at work, this program will cover your medical and living expenses until you are able to return to work, or until you are able to make a maximum recovery. In some cases, you may continue to be entitled to additional support for any permanent effects of your injury or illness, even after returning to work.

The Tennessee Workers' Compensation program costs nothing and is available to you; However, in some cases, an employer may deny an employees rights to these benefits. In such a case, you may be required to file a Workers' Compensation claim in order to receive a judicial resolution.

The following information is designed to answer commonly asked questions regarding Tennessee's Workers' Compensation program. Should you need additional information, Contact attorney Johnny L. Woodruff for a free consultation.

Who is covered by Tennessee's Workers' Compensation Program?

Nearly all of Tennessee's employees are covered by the state's Workers' Compensation program. If your employer has never had more than five employees, this coverage may not be available to you. In most cases, if you are providing a service and receive compensation, you are probably covered by Tennessee's Workers' Compensation program.

It is important to note that there are certain exceptions to the rule. If you are uncertain about your coverage, you should consult with an attorney.

If you are an employee of the federal government, additional benefits are extended to you that are not provided under Tennessee's program.

During what times am I covered by the program?

In most cases, coverage begins the instant you begin working and continues any time you are working. Under special circumstances, it is possible for the coverage to extend to the time before and after you work, including your traveling time to and from work. Consult with your employer and an attorney to be certain.

What types of injuries are covered under the program?

Numerous types of injuries are covered. Your injury may occur quickly, such as the cutting of a finger with equipment, falling, or injury due to the lifting of heavy objects. Alternatively, your injury may develop over a long period of time. Such types of injuries include hearing loss, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

If I have been injured, what should I do?

It is important that you immediately talk to your supervisor. Be sure to give him or her as much information as possible, so that they may accurately report the incident to their insurance provider. It is always a good idea to provide your employer with a written copy of any correspondence (keep a copy for yourself). You should also ask your employer for a copy of the accident report that they create.

If you wait too long, it is possible that your Workers' Compensation benefits will be delayed or denied altogether.

What kinds of benefits are available?

If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for some of the following benefits offered by the Tennessee Workers' Compensation program:

Medical Coverage

You are entitled to receive all medical treatment necessary, within reason, to cure or alleviate your injury or illness.

An employer has the right to select three doctors that do not practice together for your medical care. If they do so, you are required by law to choose one of these doctors. If you fail to do so, your medical coverage may be denied. If your employer fails to take this step, you may be able to select your own doctor. To be certain, contact a Chattanooga Workers' Compensation lawyer.

Temporary Disability Coverage

Temporary disability coverage is payed to injured or ill employees while they recover and are unable to return to work. Such coverage is provided until the employee returns to work, or has made a maximum recovery, as indicated by their doctor.

In most cases, such coverage will amount to two-thirds of your average weekly pay, up to a maximum amount that is defined by law. In order to begin receiving these payments, you are required to be away from work for a minimum of seven consecutive days.

Permanent Disability Coverage

If your work-related injury or illness leaves you with permanently-lasting effects that hinder your ability to function in the workplace, you may be eligible for permanent disability coverage. This coverage may range anywhere from 1% to 100% of your average salary, based on the extent of your injuries, as determined by your doctor.

If you are uncertain as to whether you are eligible for permanent disability coverage, you should contact a Chattanooga Workers' Compensation attorney.

Death Benefits

If a work-related injury or illness causes death to an individual, their dependents may be eligible for certain benefits. Also, certain burial-related expenses may be eligible for reimbursement by the program.

What should I do if my employer retaliates against me for filing a Workers' Compensation claim?

If you believe you have been unfairly treated by an employer due to a workers' compensation claim, you should seek the help of an attorney immediately.

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If you are in need of assistance in regards to a Chattanooga workers' compensation claim, contact Johnny L. Woodruff, a Chattanooga personal injury attorney. Johnny L. Woodruff has served the needs of Chattanooga's residents for the past ten years and has the experience necessary to assist you in your time of need. Click here to receive a free consultation from our firm.