Every seven seconds a worker in the United States is injured on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These injuries lead to millions of lost workdays and billions of dollars in costs each year. For families in Greeneville, a workplace accident often means more than just medical bills. It can also mean lost income, stress, and uncertainty about the future.
The Greeneville workers’ compensation lawyers at The Terry Law Firm have been helping injured employees across East Tennessee for more than 60 years. Our legal team is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights and making sure they receive the medical care and financial benefits they are entitled to under Tennessee law.
If you have been hurt at work in Greeneville, do not wait to get help. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Greeneville workers’ compensation attorney.
What to Know About Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Greeneville
Tennessee law gives workers a very short time to act after an injury:
- You must report your injury to your employer within 15 days of the accident or the date you realized your condition was work-related.
- You have one year from the date of injury to file a Petition for Benefit Determination with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
Once you report the injury, your employer must give you a list of approved physicians. Choosing from this list is required. If you do not, it may delay or prevent your benefits.
Types of Workplace Accidents Covered
Workers’ compensation applies to many different types of accidents in Greeneville, including:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or platforms
- Repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel
- Overexertion from lifting or carrying
- Slip and fall accidents in the workplace
- Motor vehicle crashes on the job
- Equipment or machinery accidents
- Burns, explosions, or electrocution
- Exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes
Industries at Risk in Greeneville
Accidents can happen in any job, but some industries in Greeneville face higher risks. These include:
- Construction and road work
- Warehousing and transportation
- Manufacturing and production plants
- Agriculture and forestry
- Healthcare and emergency services
- Maintenance and repair jobs
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Tennessee
If you are hurt on the job in Greeneville, workers’ compensation may provide:
- Medical treatment at no cost through approved physicians
- Mileage reimbursement for travel over 15 miles to appointments
- Temporary disability benefits if you cannot work while recovering
- Permanent disability benefits if your injury causes lasting limitations
- Death benefits for surviving dependents, which include funeral expenses and partial wage replacement
If your employer’s insurer refuses treatment recommended by an approved doctor, you have the right to challenge that decision through Tennessee’s Utilization Review program.
Does My Employer Need Workers’ Comp Insurance?
Under Tennessee law, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation coverage. This includes:
- All construction companies
- Coal mining companies with at least one employee
- Employers in other industries with five or more employees
Part-time workers, corporate officers, and family members who qualify as employees must also be included in the count. It is illegal for an employer to make employees pay for workers’ comp premiums.
Greeneville Workers’ Compensation Lawyers You Can Trust
When you are hurt at work, you should not have to fight for the benefits that the law promises. The Terry Law Firm has been serving Greeneville since 1960 with a proven record of protecting injured workers and their families.
Contact us now for a free case review with an experienced Greeneville workers’ compensation lawyer. We are ready to fight for your benefits while you focus on healing.