If you get injured on the job, it’s important that you understand your rights when it comes to workers compensation. The rules for workers’ compensation can vary from one state to the next, and what applies in one location might not in another. If you’re a Tennessee resident and are trying to find information on how to file your workers’ comp claim, then it’s important that you locate not only the specific rules for workers’ compensation in Tennessee but also that you contact a lawyer who specializes in workers’ comp cases.
Tennessee employers are required by law to carry insurance to cover workers’ compensation payments in case their employees are injured during the course of their duties. If they do not have the appropriate insurance, they can be fined by the state for the amount that it would cost them to take out this insurance for the year. Regardless of whether they have taken out the insurance or not, the employer is still liable for expenses of injured employees as specified by the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act.
Another provision set forth by the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act allows for the containment of medical expenses. This puts a maximum amount that can be charged for both standard medical and hospital services that are administered to an individual who was injured in the line of duty at their job. It also makes allowances for negotiations between employers and medical care facilities, so that the employer may be able to negotiate a smaller charge than the maximum allowable. This is designed to provide a bit of a financial safety net for Tennessee employers, ensuring that hospitals and other medical facilities can’t over-charge the employer who is paying for the medical services through workers’ compensation funds.
All on-the-job accidents which require a workers’ comp claim must be filed with the Division of Workers Compensation of the Tennessee Department of Labor. Form C-20 (also known as the First Report of Accident form) must be filed to notify them of the injury if the worker is unable to return to work within 7 days, or whenever any sort of permanent disability or worker death occurs. This form must be filed within 14 days of the date of the accident. Additional notices must be submitted when payments are made, when payments stop, or when a workers’ compensation claim is denied.
Because Tennessee is committed to a drug-free workplace, anyone who is injured during their job duties that works for an employer in the drug-free workplace program will be required to submit to a drug test either before or during the time that medical procedures are performed. While employees have the right to refuse this test, Tennessee workers’ compensation laws allow the employer to deny a workers’ comp claim based on the assumption that there were drugs or alcohol involved with the accident itself. The employer may also choose to take additional disciplinary steps up to and including termination, as the use of drugs or being under the influence of alcohol while at work constitutes violations of the drug-free workplace program and as such is a violation of the terms of employment.
Of course, this is merely an overview of some of the rules set forth by the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act. In order to make sure that you fully understand your rights as well as your responsibilities, it’s important that you take the time to contact a Tennessee attorney who specializes in workers’ comp cases. They will be able to provide you with a much wider view of your specific rights, as well as helping you to take the next steps in reaching a workers’ compensation settlement with your employer to cover medical expenses as well as any disability claims that might result from your on-the-job accident.
Thank you for choosing Lawcore.com!
Mesothelioma is one of the most deadly forms of cancer known to man. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos - Find information on choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, the various types of mesothelioma, other illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos (namely Lung Cancer & Asbestosis), and more.
Yamaha Rhino ATV Rollovers & Accidents have been shown to cause serious injuries, including amputations, multiple surgeries, and even death. If you have been involved in a Rhino ATV accident and would like to learn more about a Yamaha Rhino Lawsuit or how to contact an ATV Accident Lawyer, click above for more information.
Exposure to Benzene is known to cause a form of leukemia, Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or AML - Find information on benzene exposure, the side effects, choosing a benzene attorney, & how to get compensation if you have been injured or lost a loved one to Benzene exposure.
Have you been injured in an Auto Accident? Find a wealth of information on claims for injuries (Or even death) sustained in a car accident, car accident lawyers, statistics on auto accidents, insurance claim details, & how to reveive compensation for your damages.
Related Resources:
Truck Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
DUI / DWI Lawyers