All 50 states and the federal government have workers’ compensation laws in effect. When an employee becomes ill, injured, or dies in the course of their employment, workers’ compensation laws define the benefits the employees and their families and dependents are entitled to receive. Basically, workers’ compensation is a government-mandated insurance program that provides compensation to employees injured on the job.

Benefits include payment for all medical treatment (prescriptions, supplies, equipment, hospital costs, doctor bills) and a portion of your weekly wages. Benefits for lost wages will vary depending on whether your injury is considered a temporary total disability or a permanent disability.

When a worker is injured, his or her claim is filed with the workers’ compensation insurance company (or self-insuring employer) who pays medical and disability benefits according to a state-approved formula. However, it is strongly advised that injured employees consult a professional who understands the workers’ compensation laws that apply to their specific circumstances. An attorney qualified to interpret workers’ compensation laws will be able to provide legal guidance and assistance to ensure full recovery of all funds to which the injured worker is entitled. Your employer and its insurance company will always have an experienced attorney representing their interests. You will also be dealing with insurance adjustors who work for the insurance company and whose job is to pay as little as possible.

Workers’ compensation claims can be denied by your employer. Employers can stop paying benefits. Employer fraud does exist since the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance premiums can go up when a claim is filed (much like your car insurance premiums are higher if you file a claim). Workers can be cheated out of part or all of their workers’ compensation claims if employer fraud is present. There are also limitations to workers’ compensation laws and even more misunderstandings about what they mean. For instance, independent contractors are not eligible to collect benefits, although the definition of an independent contractor can be vague. Other workers not covered include business owners, farm workers, and railroad employees. An attorney representing your interests will help you deal with these issues as well as many others, including returning to work and how your claim is impacted by pension benefits and unemployment compensation.

Many claims are denied based on a doctor’s report that you are not injured. You have a right to challenge this, and this is where having an attorney represent you becomes very important. Although the law allows you to represent yourself, under most circumstances you should hire an attorney experienced in workers’ compensation to handle your claim.

We represent workers and their families throughout Tennessee who have been injured or killed in the course of their employment.

If you would like more information about Teel & Teel & Gay, P.L.C., we are happy to provide it. There is never a charge for an initial consultation, and you will pay no legal fees unless you hire us. Our team of lawyers and support staff strives to satisfactorily meet client objectives and goals by focusing on your case.