Workers’ Compensation

We Help Injured Workers Get the Money They’re Owed

There are many adjectives people can use to describe their jobs: challenging, rewarding, stressful, difficult, and even life-affirming. But words that should never be used are “dangerous” or “life-threatening.”

Unfortunately, that’s the case for many workers in Middle Tennessee. Dangerous jobs are a necessary part of the economy, but workers in those positions should always have proper training and safety equipment to do their jobs. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen.

When people get hurt on the job, they often can’t come back to work the next day, week, month, or in some cases, year. And when they aren’t working, they aren’t earning paychecks that they desperately need—especially in light of their injuries, which may require medical treatment.

Like all states, Tennessee offers injured employees workers’ compensation benefits, but those benefits are far from guaranteed—even when it’s clear that an injury occurred on the job and due to circumstances out of the injured worker’s control.

Both the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (TBWC) and individual employers can make it difficult for injured workers to get the money they deserve. Employers may deny injuries happened on the clock or on company property, while the TBWC may deny claims based on small oversights.

After an on-the-job injury that puts you out of work and causes you to rack up medical bills, you don’t have the luxury of waiting around for a denial. You need money, and it’s our job to help you get it. Contact Ponce Law’s Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers today for a free consultation.

The Workers’ Compensation System is Difficult to Navigate Without a Lawyer

Almost all employers in Tennessee are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance in case their employees get hurt on the job, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get benefits.

If you were recently injured at work and are in need of benefits for your medical bills and lost income, you may have two obstacles standing in your way:

• Your employer—The business that employs you may have coverage for you and its other employees, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get their cooperation when they file a claim for benefits. Many businesses discourage or even attempt to bar employees from filing claims in an effort to reduce their own costs.
• The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation—The board that oversees workers’ compensation claims in Tennessee has strict criteria for approving benefits. Even minor mistakes can result in dismissals or denials, leaving workers feeling helpless.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers know that the process may feel rigged against you when you pursue benefits for your accident-related expenses. That’s why we’re here to help.

We’re ready to take over your claim and handle all communication with your employer and the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation while you focus on getting better. Call us today for a free consultation.

2 Ways a Lawyer Can Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

Getting hurt on the job can be devastating for many reasons.

First, workplace injuries are often painful and debilitating, and they often require several months of recovery. Second, you may be hesitant to tell your manager or supervisor about your injury—especially if your company prides itself on its safety record and lack of accidents. And finally, you may want to avoid risking your job or career if you’ve seen other workers retaliated against in the past after pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.

The Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers at Ponce Law understand what you’re going through, and we know how difficult this time is for you and your loved ones. That said, we believe that all injured workers deserve complete and full access to the workers’ compensation benefits that their employers are required to have, and they shouldn’t be afraid to pursue the money they deserve when they get hurt on the job.

If you choose us to handle your workers’ compensation claim, you can count on our legal team to work for you in the following ways:

1. We’ll collect and present evidence that proves your injury was work-related. Employers and the state workers’ compensation board want to see hard evidence that all injury claims occurred on the job. Our experience means we know how to find proof that will leave no doubt in their minds about how, when, and where your injury occurred.
2. We’ll protect you from retaliation or wrongful termination. You shouldn’t have to worry about your career or your family’s future when you report a workplace injury or pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered. With our legal team on your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected when you file a claim for the benefits you deserve.

Get in touch with us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you and your family during this difficult time in your lives.

How Do Employers Discourage Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Getting hurt at work isn’t just painful—it can also be financially devastating for you and your loved ones. Even if your injury wasn’t your fault, you still may be too hurt or disabled to do your job for weeks or months to come.

Tennessee requires almost all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover workers like you who face these difficult situations, but some employers are reluctant to admit that their employees were injured through no fault of their own. In fact, businesses and business owners may even go out of their way to discourage their workers from filing workers’ compensation claims—even if their own negligence or carelessness caused their employees to get hurt.

Common ways that employers discourage or impede claims include:

• Threatening retaliation – Whether directly or indirectly, some employers attempt to silence employees who want to file for workers’ compensation benefits by threatening their titles, their jobs, and even their careers.
• Providing false information – Some employers take advantage of their workers’ lack of knowledge concerning workers’ compensation. They may claim that they don’t carry insurance, that they can’t afford the claim, or that the specific injuries workers suffered aren’t covered.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers know the facts of workers’ compensation, and we want to help you maximize your chances of getting the full benefits you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.

Why Are Workers’ Compensation Claims Denied?

Almost all employers in Tennessee with five or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their staff. The insurance is designed to compensate workers who get hurt or sick on the job and are out of work for a prolonged period of time. Injured or sick workers may be eligible for both temporary disability benefits and permanent disability benefits depending on the severity of their conditions, but getting approved for either can be difficult.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville workers’ compensation attorneys know that too many honest and hardworking people see their claims denied every day in Tennessee for work-related illnesses and injuries that weren’t their fault. Common reasons for denials include:

• Waiting too long to notify management of an illness or injury – Getting approved for benefits often requires conclusive proof linking a workplace to a health problem. If victims wait too long, it may be harder to prove that the injury or illness occurred at work and when it happened.
• Exaggerating or downplaying injuries or illnesses – It’s important for victims to be honest about the severity and extent of their injuries or illnesses. Exaggerating them can jeopardize claims—especially after a checkup by a doctor—while downplaying them can make them appear unworthy of benefits.

There are many hoops to jump through to get approved for workers’ compensation benefits, even when there’s ample evidence to show that your illness or injury happened at work. Having an experienced legal team on your side can expedite the process and maximize your chances of getting the money you deserve. Call today for a free consultation, and let us get to work for you.

Common On-the-Job Injuries That Can Put You out of Work

Getting hurt at work can be a double whammy. Not only can it result in a painful injury that might leave you unable to do your job, but it can also put you in an awkward situation with your employer. Many companies are hesitant to submit claims on behalf of injured workers, especially if the injuries aren’t reported right away or if there’s a lack of evidence to suggest the injuries occurred at the workplace.

At Ponce Law, our Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers fight for the rights of injured workers throughout Middle Tennessee, regardless of the types of injuries they suffered on the job. We know that workplace injuries are extremely varied, but some of the most common include:

• Slips, trips, and falls – Workers of all types and in all occupations are at risk of suffering slip and fall injuries. Whether they’re construction workers who fall from catwalks and scaffolds or office workers who slip on slick floors or uneven surfaces, slip and fall injuries can be devastating and even potentially deadly.
• Overexertion injuries – Jobs that require pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, and carrying all have the potential to cause injuries. When workers overexert themselves during those activities, they can damage or tear muscles and ligaments, resulting in pain and even disability.

Almost all employers in Tennessee are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for employees who get hurt on the job, but it can be difficult for injured workers to get the benefits they deserve. If you or someone you love was injured at work, it’s important to get an advocate on your side who understands the system and knows how to get results. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Avoid These Workers’ Compensation Pitfalls

Getting injured at work and being unable to return to your job for weeks or months can be devastating for your family. You’ve lost the paycheck you depend on to keep up with your day-to-day living expenses, and the stress of not knowing when you’ll be able to go back to work can feel discouraging.

Tennessee offers workers’ compensation benefits for those who get injured through no fault of their own while they’re on the job, but getting approved for benefits can be difficult. Having an experienced Nashville workers’ compensation lawyer on your side may help you maximize your chances, but some injured workers make mistakes soon after their injuries occur.

Common pitfalls associated with workers’ compensation claims include:

• Not telling your employer about the accident right away. The sooner you tell your supervisor or manager about your workplace injury, the better your chances are of being approved for workers’ compensation benefits. If you wait too long, valuable evidence may disappear, and there may be skepticism about the true origin of your injuries.

• Lying about any aspect of the accident or injury. It’s important to be completely truthful about your workplace injury to your supervisor, your attorney, and anyone you speak with from Tennessee’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Any inconsistencies, embellishments, or falsehoods discovered in your story could jeopardize your claim.

Ponce Law’s team of Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers knows how important benefits are to employees like you who get hurt on the job and can’t return to work. But we also know how easily these claims can be reduced or dismissed due to a few mistakes early in the process.

You shouldn’t have to worry about making these mistakes when you’re focusing on getting better. Get in touch with our team today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Why Do You Need an Attorney for Your Workers’ Comp Case?

To protect themselves, workplaces have strict regulations, rules, and procedures for when employees get hurt on the job. If you were injured at work, you probably saw how much red tape is involved when workers report accidents—including requirements such as paperwork, specific doctors you’re allowed to see, and even threats of retaliation for filing a claim.

Although almost all employers and businesses in Tennessee are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, they and their insurance providers are hesitant to pay out claims to injured workers like you. But as an employee who got hurt on the job, you’re rightfully entitled to compensation.

Ponce Law’s team of Nashville workers’ compensation attorneys knows the tricks that business owners and their insurance providers use to reduce or deny claims, and we’ll stay one step ahead by:

• Collecting evidence to prove the accident wasn’t your fault – Testimony from co-workers, security camera footage, and accident report discrepancies can validate your case.

• Obtaining medical evidence to prove the severity of your injuries – Proving that you were hurt at work often isn’t enough. But we’ll obtain your medical report and even call experts who can verify to the insurance company that your injuries are work-related.

Workplace injuries are often painful and debilitating, but because they can cost employers money, workers like you may feel intimidated and reluctant to file claims. Don’t shoulder the burden of an accident that wasn’t your fault. Set up a free consultation with our legal team today, and let us help.

Don’t Be a Win for the Insurance Company

Most folks who punch a clock in Nashville don’t know their rights as an injured worker or how workers’ compensation coverage works. That’s understandable. Unless you’ve been injured, there’s really no reason to worry about what you should and shouldn’t expect after a workplace injury. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge can put you and your family at financial risk if you’re ever injured on the job.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required by law for most Tennessee employers. However, just because your company has workers’ compensation insurance doesn’t mean you’re going to get the compensation you deserve following your accident. The thing to understand is you’re dealing with an insurance company that wants to pay out as little as possible. After all, that’s how they make their money. If you’ll agree to settle for less than you might need for your recovery, that’s a win in the insurance company’s book. But how do you know how much is fair?

Call an attorney. At Ponce Law, our experienced Nashville workers’ compensation attorneys know your rights as an injured worker and will do everything within our power to protect them. You deserve to be fully compensated for what you’ve been through. That includes medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Don’t settle for less. Contact us today for your free, no obligation consultation.

Work Injury? The Question You Should Be Asking

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be wondering what a Nashville workers’ compensation attorney can do for you. After all, your work comp claim seems to be in process, and you’re pretty sure you’re going to get at least some money from it. Why get a lawyer involved? Wouldn’t that just complicate things?

Those are valid questions, but they’re the wrong ones. The question you need to ask yourself is “can I afford to pick up the excess expense from my accident?” In our experience, many worker’s comp claims don’t pay out everything you’re going to need to fully recover. Beyond the medical expenses, you’re going to incur a number of expenses that probably aren’t covered, such as lost wages and more. And what if you need further medical care after the fact? Who pays for that?

When you look at what is at risk financially, the next question that should be asking yourself is “how can I afford not to call a lawyer?

At Ponce Law, we’ve been helping injured workers in Nashville get the money they deserve for years. We know your rights and we’ll fight to make sure you and your family are on the right path to recovery. Don’t risk your financial future. Call our experienced Nashville workers’ compensation attorneys today for a free, no obligation consultation.