The last thing anyone wants is to be injured at work. Being injured at work can set you back both financially and physically. After a personal injury, it can be challenging to manage your recovery along with the stress of your finances and trying to figure out how you will return to work.
When you are injured on the job, compensation is available to help you. Tennessee employers, by law, should carry no-fault insurance that protects your salary and coverage of medical bills. If your employer does not carry this insurance and you are injured on the job, you can sue your employer.
In many events, work comp claims are denied. When a claim is rejected, the Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers with Hughes & Coleman can help you get the benefits you deserve. Our legal team has over 35 years of experience helping protect the rights of those injured on the job in Tennessee.
Your initial consultation with Hughes & Coleman Law Firm is free – call our personal injury lawyers today at 800-800-4600 or fill out our online contact form.
What You Need to Know About Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Columbia, TN 38401
When injured at work as an employee, by TN law, you have the right to benefits if your employer has five or more employees. Workers’ compensation claims can cover the following injuries:
- Back pain
- Broken or fractured bones
- Chronic headaches
- Heart attacks
- Knee injuries
- Lung disease
- Mesothelioma
- Neck pain
- Severe burns
- Shoulder pain
- Work-related death
- Wrist injuries that can include carpal tunnel syndrome
Despite being injured, there are specific steps you are required to take in order to preserve your rights to compensation under the law. Below are some things you should know about your workers’ compensation claim:
- When injured at work, you should report the accident to your employer within 30 days of the incident or 30 days of your doctor’s visit for the injury. The quicker the injury is reported, the sooner you can file your claim and seek benefits.
- After you report your injury, your supervisor should provide you with a selection of doctors. You can choose from any of these, and the doctor you decide on will determine if the injury was work-related.
- In a situation where the injury was deemed non-work-related, or if you feel your claim was devalued, you can seek a second opinion at your own expense.
- If the second doctor believes your injuries are work-related, you may be eligible to seek medical treatment at out-of-pocket cost.
- If your claim is denied, you can hire an attorney with Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers and file an appeal.
- It is best to note that it is illegal to fire an employee who has reported a work injury. If you were fired and believe it was because of your injury, be sure to contact the workers’ compensation lawyers at Hughes & Coleman. We have lawyers who can help you.
Work comp cases can be more complicated than other personal injury claims. In some situations, a workplace injury claim can be quick and easy. On the other hand, this may not be your experience. If you are dealing with a complicated workplace injury claim, contact us today at 800-800-4600 or fill out an online contact form.
Common Workplace Accidents in Maury County, Tennessee
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that over four million individuals are injured every year in a serious job-related illness or injury. Also, more than 4,500 workers die on the job each year.
Below are some common workplace injuries and wrongful deaths that can occur because of dangerous situations at work in Tennessee:
- Defective equipment
- Defective machinery accidents
- Electrocutions
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Faulty safety equipment
- Getting injured by a moving vehicle
- Getting injured by falling tools or machinery
- Slip-and-fall accidents
Below are some accidents that can cause severe injuries:
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Chemical burns
- Cuts or lacerations
- Dislocation
- Dismemberment
- Head and neck injuries
- Hearing loss
- Heart attacks
- Ligament damage
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Lung damage from toxic chemicals
- Muscle damage or strains
- Orthopedic injuries
- Severed nerves
- Spinal cord injuries
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for benefits, contact one of our attorneys today. At Hughes & Coleman law firm, we offer you a free case evaluation without obligation. This allows anyone to feel free to submit their claim details either by phone or online. When you do, one of our Tennessee lawyers will review your case to see if you have grounds for a claim.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Columbia, TN 38401
Tennessee workplace injuries can be serious and may stop you from earning income for days, weeks, or longer. When you are unable to return to work, this can hurt you financially. Therefore, it is your right under the law to file for benefits to help cover lost wages and medical bills.
You should waste no time in contacting an experienced Columbia workers’ comp attorney to determine your rights and help you seek compensation for your injuries. Your lawyer can determine your eligibility regarding the following types of workers’ compensation benefits.
Medical benefits
If your employers’ compensation insurance covers your injury, you are eligible to receive medical treatment without any out-of-pocket expenses. This means that the workers’ compensation benefits will cover medical expenses.
The following may be covered:
- Crutches
- Dental work
- Hospital treatment
- Medication
- Nursing
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Psychological services
- Reimbursement for mileage to and from doctor appointments and medical treatments (if you must travel more than 15 miles in one direction)
- Surgery
Temporary disability benefits
If your doctor deems you unable to work or unable to perform the tasks you could before your injury, you may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. Temporary benefits are equal to 66 and two-thirds percent of the average weekly wages (AWW) you received before the injury.
In the case you are completely unable to work, you can receive temporary total disability benefits because you will be deemed completely disabled. However, if you can still work, but not as many hours, you may receive partial disability benefits. This is equal to two-thirds of the difference between what you earned before your injury and the average weekly wages.
Permanent disability benefits
If you are deemed permanently disabled, you may receive permanent disability benefits. If you receive permanent disability benefits and can still work, you may receive 66 and two-thirds of your AWW. This is the same if you are completely disabled and unable to work; you will continue receiving disability benefits until you can receive Social Security retirement.
Death benefits
When a loved one is killed due to a workplace illness or injury, the surviving dependents may receive the death benefits.
Death benefits may include:
- Wage replacement – If there were no dependents, the estate could receive $20,000, but if there is a surviving spouse and no children, the spouse could receive 50 percent of the deceased AWW; whereas if there are spouses and one or more children, the spouse may receive 66 and two-thirds of the AWW
- Burial expenses – Burial expense coverage is limited to $10,000
Contact a Columbia, Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
By law, workers’ compensation benefits are available to help an employee regain economic stability when recovering from a workplace injury if you or a loved one has been injured.
The Tennessee workers’ compensation attorneys at Hughes & Coleman have the knowledge and experience it takes to fight for the justice you deserve. We offer a free, no obligation consultation.
Contact our Tennessee workers’ compensation legal team at 800-800-4600 or fill out our contact form online.
