More than 2 million workplace injuries or illnesses occur each year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Workers’ compensation provides medical care and income protection to employees suffering work-related injuries or illnesses. In Tennessee, employers must cover the costs of medical bills and lost wages. In some cases, employers may also be responsible for covering disability benefits and the cost of ongoing care, such as physical therapy. Employers must also cover the cost of funeral expenses and survivor benefits for work-related deaths.
The most common workers’ compensation injuries are sprains, strains, contusions, lacerations, and punctures. Employees may also become injured, sick, or die from overexertion, slip and falls, falling or flying objects, workplace violence, toxin exposure, transportation accidents, falls from heights, electrocution, and getting caught in equipment.
If an employee is injured in a job-related accident, they should seek medical treatment, report their injury to their employer, ensure that their employer files the proper paperwork, and wait to hear if the claim has been accepted or denied. If the claim has been denied, the injured employee should begin the appeal process. Injured employees do not have to hire a worker’s compensation attorney, but having an attorney by their side usually helps resolve the case quickly and favorably.
Businesses should have workers’ compensation insurance to protect them from costly lawsuits. In Tennessee, if you have five or more employees, it is required to have worker’s compensation insurance. According to the TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development, “family members, part-time employees, and corporate officers are included when determining the number of employees if they meet the definition of employee.”
The law firm of Rucker, Rucker and Aymett specializes in workers’ compensation claims for both employees and businesses. We can help employees explore their legal options if they have been injured on the job. Our law firm can also help businesses negotiate the terms of their employee’s workers’ compensation case.
Suffering from a work-related injury can be devastating physically, emotionally, and financially. Rucker, Rucker and Aymett is here to help you navigate through your case and get you the compensation that you deserve. Call our office for a free legal consultation at (615) 893-1134 or fill out the form on our website.
Sources:
https://www.enjuris.com/tennessee/workplace-accidents/file-workers-compensation-claim/
https://www.thehartford.com/workers-compensation/tennessee
https://phillipspolich.com/blog/what-are-the-most-common-workers-comp-injuries/