You’re working hard to support yourself and your loved ones, but what happens if you get injured on the job? Do you qualify for workers compensation benefits that can help pay for medical treatment and replace some lost wages while you recover?
In Tennessee, employers with five or more workers are required to carry workers comp insurance. The specific criteria for determining eligibility can be complex, so if you’ve been injured at work, it’s best to hire a Nashville, Tennessee workers comp attorney to file a claim with your employer’s insurance carrier right away.
Who Is Eligible for Workers Compensation Benefits in Nashville, Tennessee?
In Tennessee, most employees are covered under workers compensation insurance:
- Employees: Full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers are typically eligible for workers’ comp in Tennessee. This includes W-2 employees as well as 1099 independent contractors in some cases.
- Business owners: Sole proprietors, partners, and corporate officers who work and earn wages from their business may also qualify for benefits. You must elect coverage for yourself to be eligible.
- Minors: Teenage employees under the age of 18 who are employed legally are also covered under Tennessee’s workers compensation law.
- Volunteers: Unpaid volunteers and interns are generally not eligible for workers’ comp benefits since they do not receive wages. Some exceptions may apply for certain volunteer emergency responders.
Types of Injuries Covered
In general, workers compensation covers injuries or illnesses that arise out of and in the course of your employment in Nashville. This includes both physical injuries as well as occupational diseases. Some of the most common types of injuries and illnesses covered include:
- Accidents and physical injuries – Things like slips, trips, and falls; injuries from machinery, equipment, or tools; vehicle accidents; repetitive stress injuries; and more.
- Occupational diseases – Illnesses that are caused or made worse by workplace conditions or hazards. This could be exposure to toxic chemicals, repetitive physical stress, loud noises, and so on.
- Cumulative traumas – Injuries that get progressively worse over time due to repetitive movements or sustained positions required for your job.
- Psychological injuries – In some cases, work-related stress, harassment, violence, or trauma can lead to psychological conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
What Benefits Are Included?
In Tennessee, if you qualify for workers comp, you are entitled to several benefits to help you recover from a work-related injury or illness. The most important types of benefits include:
- Medical care: Workers’ comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work injury or illness.
- Partial wage replacement: If your injury prevents you from doing your normal job duties, you are eligible for a portion of your lost wages in the form of temporary disability benefits.
- Permanent disability benefits: For injuries that cause permanent impairment, you may receive permanent disability payments after reaching maximum medical improvement.
- Vocational retraining: If you cannot return to your pre-injury occupation, you may be eligible for new skills training or education to prepare you for a new career.
- Survivor benefits: If a work-related injury or illness results in death, the surviving spouse, children, or other dependents may receive weekly payments, funeral expenses, and other death benefits.
Seek Guidance From a Qualified Nashville Workers Compensation Lawyer
In case you’ve been injured on the job and you think you may be entitled to workers comp benefits, the smart move is to contact an experienced Nashville workers compensation lawyer.
They can determine if you have a valid claim, guide you through the system, and fight to get you the maximum amount of benefits allowed under the law. Don’t go up against big insurance companies alone. Call us at 615-502-4477 and schedule your free case review right away.