September 18, 2013
When employees are injured as the result of on-the-job accidents, certain laws and regulations protect their rights to compensation for their injuries and other losses. However, the Nashville Workers’ Compensation Attorneys with Ponce Law stated that Tennessee lawmakers recently reformed these laws to create a more standardized and efficient process.
The new laws go into effect next July, and one of the major changes is a move from workers’ compensation cases being decided in the courtroom to cases being ruled on by an administrator from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).
The Times-News explained the Tennessee’s governor would directly appoint these administrators to the positions. One group of the administrators will issue initial rulings in cases, while another group focuses on hearing appeals.
Changes to the definition of a work-related injury are also set to go into the books next summer. The new law will only allow for benefits to be paid if a worker’s injury was caused “primarily in the course and scope of work”.
Michael D. Ponce & Associates’ team of Nashville Personal Injury Lawyers understands how confusing the laws surrounding workers’ compensation claims can be. The firm is here to answer any questions an individual may have if they have been injured on-the-job at no fault of their own.
