“Opt Out” Laws for Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Put on Hold

When workers in Tennessee are injured on the job, they often have a right to seek workers’ compensation benefits through their employers. But kawmakers have been considering changing the law to allow businesses to “opt out” of such coverage if they meet certain standards.

The Nashville workers’ compensation attorneys at Ponce Law explain that under Senate Bill 721, which is sponsored by House Representative, Jeremy Durham, employers would be able to ditch their Tennessee workers’ compensation coverage if they could provide a minimum amount of compensation to pay workers injured on the job. Employers are required to provide at least $300,000 in coverage for potential medical expenses, as well as a minimum of $3.75 million for possible lawsuits. Also, the company must provide financials to prove they are capable of making payments.

While the bill seems like a compromise between employees and businesses that didn’t want to take part in the current Tennessee workers’ compensation program, the bill has been put on hold until at least next year by lawmakers. The Knoxville News Sentinel reports the bill will be filed and reconsidered during next year’s legislative session.

At Ponce Law, we believe it’s important that workers be fairly compensated for injuries on the job. Our Nashville personal injury lawyers will be following how this bill progresses through the legislative system during the coming months.

RELATED ARTICLES

Nashville Workers Compensation Lawyers Discuss Workplace Dangers
January 27, 2014 Being struck by objects or equipment while on the job is one of the leading causes of workplace accidents that result injuries or death. In fact, the...
Can You Trust Your Employer’s Doctor?
Here’s a scenario for you. You’re injured at work. Your employer does all the right things—files reports, gets you medical attention, and sends you home for a few days to...
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...
OUR REVIEWS