Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Benefits for On-the-Job Injuries

by

Michael D. Ponce

Last Updated April 24, 2012 In Personal Injury, Workers Compensation

Workplace injuries, regardless of what industry the employee works in, can result in devastating consequences, including costly medical bills, loss of income and even permanent physical disability or death. The state of Tennessee has workers’ compensation laws in place that protect the legal rights of workers who are injured at work, helping those workers cope with their medical expenses and collect compensation for lost wages. Work injuries and occupational illnesses are all too common in Tennessee and across the United States, affecting more than 4.1 million people and resulting in about 1,000 deaths each year. Too often, workplace injuries are caused by unsafe working conditions, in which the employer or supervisor fails to put the workers’ safety first. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at work caused by another person’s negligence, carelessness, or because of unsafe working conditions, contact a Tennessee workers’ compensation attorney today.

Collecting Medical Benefits or Death Benefits

Depending on the severity of the workplace accident, the resulting injuries can lead to temporary or permanent physical or mental disability, injuries that severely affect the workers’ quality of life, or possibly even death. Medical benefits under TN workers’ compensation laws may be available to workers who suffer serious injuries on the job, and death benefits may be available to the families of workers who are killed in workplace injuries. It is the responsibility of employers and supervisors to provide a safe working environment for employees, and benefits for workplace injuries are paid by the employer or the employer’s insurance carrier.

Third-Party Liability Claim for Additional Compensation

In addition to seeking benefits under workers’ compensation, injured workers may also be entitled to compensation by filing a separate third-party liability claim, if their injuries were caused by a third party not employed by their employer. Workplace injuries and wrongful deaths may be caused by third parties like manufacturers of hazardous materials and toxins, contractors and subcontractors, the negligent driver of a vehicle, or manufacturers of defective tools or machinery. By filing a third-party liability claim, injured workers can seek fair and timely reimbursement for injuries, in addition to benefits for their medical bills and lost wages.

Contact a Nashville Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Help

Workers who suffer serious injuries at work have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim for critical benefits. And under TN workers’ compensation laws, it is against the law for employers to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you or a loved one has suffered from an on-the-job injury in Tennessee, contact a Nashville workers’ compensation attorney today. You may be entitled to life-saving benefits for your medical bills and loss of income, which a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer can help you pursue. No injured employees should be expected to shoulder the physical and financial burdens of their work injury. With the help of an experienced Tennessee workers’ compensation lawyer, you can seek the reimbursement you deserve and protect yourself from further harm.