Workers Compensation in Nashville, TN
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Tennessee state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Nashville, Tennessee ?
The Performance Therapy Institute of Nashville states that tendonitis, back strains, auto accidents, and carpal tunnel syndrome are among the most common work-related injuries in Nashville, TN. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury. It is most commonly associated in industries that use vibrating tools, or repetitive motion of the hands and wrists on a keyboard. But symptoms can also develop from tasks such as butchering meat and preparing meals. Nashville workers that develop this work-related illness are entitled to compensation and medical care.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Nashville, Tennessee ?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development of Tennessee mandates that every business with more than 5 employees carry workers’ compensation insurance. The only exception to this are for the construction and coal mining industries, where the requirements are even more strict. If you have been injured at work in Nashville you are entitled to medical costs and partial wage replacement. To receive coverage for mental health issues, you must prove they stem from your injury. Or are directly related to a traumatizing event at work.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Nashville, Tennessee are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Nashville, Tennessee healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines. Some of which are critical in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months. All before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
According to The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation you should inform your employer immediately if you have been injured at work, or have developed symptoms of a work-related illness. It’s important to establish that you suffer an injury at work. It’s possible that disputes can arise to the circumstances of your injury. After you report your injury, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Proper medical care is not only beneficial to you in the short term, but also long term as it cuts down on medical costs. In addition to shortening your recovery time. You should obtain 2 copies of the physician’s report, if possible. 1 copy for yourself, and 1 copy for your employer to file.
Timeline and Other Information
After you file your report, an employer in Nashville has 1 business day to submit your claim to the insurance company. After it is received, the insurance company has 15 days to approve or deny your injury claim. If your work-related disability lasts more than 14 days, your payments will be backdated to the first day of disability. The benefits you can receive total out to nearly 67% of your average weekly working wage. The maximum these benefits can pay is $1, 093.40 per week
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point. Typically about the incident and to any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Nashville, Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Nashville, Tennessee , in others, it may be more difficult. Your employer might ask if you suffer an injury on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Nashville, Tennessee workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Nashville, Tennessee
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Nashville, Tennessee you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
