Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Chattanooga

A work injury can put serious financial pressure on you and your family. If you were injured while performing your job, a Chattanooga personal injury lawyer can help you pursue benefits.

Wettermark Keith has served more than 100,000 clients. If you need to file a workers’ comp claim, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Chattanooga can guide you through the process and help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

The Role of a Chattanooga Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Navigating Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system can be difficult, especially if you are recovering from a serious injury. 

A Chattanooga workers’ compensation lawyer can help by:

• Collecting evidence: A lawyer can gather medical records, workplace reports, witness statements, and other evidence that supports your claim.
• Calculating your losses: A lawyer can evaluate your losses and determine the true value of your claim.
• Handling insurance negotiations: A lawyer can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and push for a fair workers’ comp settlement.
• Providing representation: A lawyer can represent you and protect your rights during hearings and appeals.
• Filing an appeal: If your claim gets denied, a lawyer can help you challenge the unfavorable decision by filing an appeal.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Tennessee

The primary types of workers’ compensation benefits in Tennessee are as follows:

• Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation generally pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your workplace injury, including doctor visits, hospital care, surgeries, prescription medications, diagnostic testing, physical therapy, and other approved medical services.
• Temporary disability benefits: If your injury prevents you from working while you recover, you may receive temporary disability benefits that replace a portion of your lost wages until you are medically able to return to work or reach maximum medical improvement.
• Permanent disability benefits: If you suffer a lasting impairment after reaching maximum medical improvement, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits.
• Mileage Reimbursement: You can claim travel expenses (mileage) for driving to and from authorized medical appointments.
• Death benefits: If a workplace accident or occupational illness results in the death of your loved one, you and your family may receive death benefits.

The benefits available to you will depend on the nature of your injury, the medical treatment you need, and whether you are able to return to work. A Chattanooga workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate your case and determine the benefits you are eligible to receive.

How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in TN?

In most cases, you must notify your employer of a work-related injury within 15 days of the accident or of discovering an occupational illness. Missing this deadline may allow your employer or its insurance carrier to deny your claim.

In addition, if your claim is disputed or denied, you typically have one year from the date of your injury or your last authorized medical payment to file a Petition for Benefit Determination (PBD) with the state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose the right to recover benefits.

Exceptions may apply in cases involving occupational diseases, cumulative trauma injuries, or other unique circumstances, which is why it’s important to get help from a Chattanooga workers’ comp lawyer.

Can You Sue Your Employer?

In most situations, you cannot sue your employer for a work injury in Tennessee. Workers’ compensation serves as the exclusive remedy for employees injured on the job.

However, exceptions may apply in certain situations. For example, if you can prove that your employer intentionally harmed you, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. In addition, if a third party contributed to your injury, you may be able to pursue a separate personal injury claim against that party while also receiving workers’ compensation benefits.

Third parties that can potentially be held liable for a work injury include contractors, subcontractors, property owners, equipment manufacturers, and maintenance companies. A Chattanooga workers’ comp attorney can assess your case and determine whether you have grounds for any lawsuits.

Common Causes of Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents occur in virtually every industry, from offices and hospitals to manufacturing plants and construction sites. Some of the most common causes of work injuries include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Falls from ladders or scaffolding
• Machinery accidents
• Falling objects
• Overexertion while lifting
• Repetitive motions
• Motor vehicle accidents while working
• Forklift accidents
• Electrical accidents
• Chemical exposure
• Fires and explosions
• Defective equipment
• Inadequate training
• Unsafe buildings

Our Chattanooga workers’ compensation attorneys can investigate your case and identify the cause of your injury.

Common Workplace Injuries

Many different types of accidents and occupational illnesses can provide grounds for a workers’ compensation claim.

Common workplace injuries include:

• Back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Crush injuries
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Occupational lung diseases
• Exposure to toxic chemicals

What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Chattanooga

The actions you take after a workplace injury can affect your ability to obtain benefits. You should:

• Report the injury to your supervisor.
• Seek medical treatment immediately and tell your healthcare provider that the injury happened at work.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
• Keep copies of your medical records and bills.
• Document how the injury affects your ability to work.
• Save correspondence from your employer and the insurance company.
• Avoid discussing your claim on social media.
• Attend all required medical appointments.
• Reach out to a lawyer to get help with your claim.

Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Chattanooga

Obtaining fair compensation for a work injury can be difficult. If your claim has been delayed or denied, or you need help building one, the Chattanooga workers’ comp attorneys at Wettermark Keith can take on your case and help you obtain benefits.

Book a free consultation to discuss your case with a lawyer.