There are hazards in every job. No matter what occupation you are in, there is always the possibility of an accident at work. Factory, industry, and construction workers who regularly use complex machinery and toxic chemicals are the most likely to be hurt on the job. However, accidents in parking lots and personal injury while lifting office supplies and equipment may also count as work-related injuries. For those instances when an employee is injured on the job, worker's compensation laws are in place to ensure the employee will not lose money while recovering.

Compensation benefits apply to most employees who have been injured at work. You may receive compensation to cover both living expenses and treatment for the injury. Many times, however, the mediation of a good attorney between the employer and employee is necessary in order to receive the compensation you deserve. If you have applied for and been denied compensation by your employer or their insurance company, it is important to seek immediate legal advice.

After you have been injured on the job, you are wondering how you are going to be able to pay your medical bills and take care of your family. The Tennessee Workers' Compensation system is designed to provide victims of injuries at work with much-needed living expenses so that you can afford to live while you are recovering from your injuries.

What should I do if injured at work?

REPORT THE INJURY IMMEDIATELY: When injured at work, the employee should report the injury in writing to the employer immediately, but no later than thirty (30) days after the injury. A form known as the "First Report of Work Injury" should be completed if you are working in Tennessee.

OBTAIN MEDICAL TREATMENT: As an injured employee, you should be given a choice of three (3) physicians not associated in practice. The list or panel of physicians should be in or near your residence. It is your right to choose any one physician from the list of three, but you are then required to accept treatment from your chosen physician and should not see any other physician unless this physician makes a referral.

PAYMENT WHILE OFF WORK: If a physician takes you off work for more than seven days, you may be entitled to temporary disability payments. This is generally calculated at a weekly rate at 66 and 2/3 % of your gross pay in the 52 weeks prior to the injury.

OBTAIN REPRESENTATION: Contact an attorney who knows Workers' Compensation Law. The Tennessee compensation law is complex and confusing. Unless you have an attorney who knows the laws, you will be left in the dark as to whether you are being treated fairly. Don't wait; there are deadlines that must be met or you may lose your right to bring a claim.

It Costs You Nothing to Find out Your Rights

Our firm always offers a free initial consultation so that you can talk to a Tennessee workers' compensation lawyer in order to find out what your rights are.

Contingency Fees
We perform all of our Workers' compensation legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means that will owe us nothing if we do not successfully process your Workers' compensation claim. Contact Keeton & Perry, PLLC. Today!

Attorney Greg B. Perry is admitted to practice in all Tennessee State Courts and the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Tennessee.