Workplace Injury Lawyer in Sevierville, Tennessee

Factory worker fell down and injured shoulder at work.

Did you or someone you love get hurt on the job in Sevierville, Tennessee? Dealing with workplace injury claims can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At The Terry Law Firm, we can guide you through the process and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Our Sevierville work injury attorneys have extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims in Tennessee. We know it’s frustrating to be sidelined from work and missing out on your wages. Let us help you file a timely claim and pursue the money you need to recover. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries and Accidents

Workplace injuries vary widely depending on your job and the work environment. Common job injuries include:

  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Musculoskeletal injuries, like sprains and strains
  • Broken bones
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Back injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision impairment
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Electric shocks
  • Heatstroke
  • Cold stress
  • Dislocations
  • Burns
  • Crush injuries
  • Amputation
  • Dermatitis

These injuries often result from incidents like:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Machinery malfunctions
  • Unguarded equipment
  • Entanglement accidents
  • Trench or scaffolding collapses
  • Ladder accidents
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Falling objects
  • Exposure to harmful substances
  • Fires and explosions
  • Electrical accidents
  • Overexertion
  • Repetitive motion injuries

Causes of Workplace Injuries in Sevierville

Here are some common causes behind many workplace injury accidents:

  • Wet or slippery floors
  • Unsecured rugs or carpets
  • Poor lighting
  • Cluttered walkways
  • Falls from heights
  • Unsafe ladder use
  • Inadequate safety training
  • Lack of protective gear
  • Improper lifting techniques
  • Faulty equipment
  • Electrical hazards
  • Chemical spills
  • Overexertion
  • Extreme temperatures
  • Vehicle collisions
  • High-speed machinery
  • Confined spaces
  • Dust or fume inhalation

Legal Options for Workplace Injury Cases in Sevierville, TN

If you get hurt at work, your legal options depend on the circumstances. In Tennessee, you have two primary sources of compensation.

Workers’ Compensation Claim

The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Law requires certain employers to purchase workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees who are hurt on the job. It doesn’t matter who is at fault for the injury. The purpose is to provide financial support to workers while protecting employers from litigation. In exchange for guaranteed benefits, you lose the right to sue your employer for negligence.

A successful workers’ comp claim provides employees with medical benefits, partial wage replacement, and disability benefits while they heal. Families may receive death benefits for employees fatally injured in workplace accidents.

Even though workers’ comp benefits are guaranteed by law, employers and their insurance companies often deny valid claims. A Sevierville workplace injury lawyer can investigate your claim and gather evidence to challenge unfair denials.

Third-Party Personal Injury Claim

Employees may have an alternative legal option in some work injury cases. If your injury was caused by someone else (not your employer or a coworker), you could have a third-party personal injury claim against them. This type of claim is separate from workers’ compensation. It involves seeking compensation directly from the party responsible for your injury, such as an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor on a job site.

Types of Compensation Available to People Hurt at Work in Sevierville

The types and amounts of compensation you can recover for a work injury in Sevierville depend on the type of claim you file. For a workers’ compensation claim, you could receive:

  • Medical benefits: These benefits cover all the medical treatment you need because of your work injury. Examples include doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and medical travel expenses.
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits: If you can still work after your injury but are earning less, TPD benefits cover two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wage before the injury and what you earn now.
  • Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits: If you’re unable to work at all during your recovery, TTD benefits pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage until you can return to work.
  • Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits: PPD benefits are for employees with a permanent impairment but can still work in some capacity. They are typically worth two-thirds of your average weekly wage, and their duration depends on the nature of your impairment.
  • Permanent total disability (PTD) benefits: If you cannot work again due to your injury, PTD benefits can provide two-thirds of your average weekly wage until you qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.

All disability benefits are subject to a cap based on the state’s average weekly wage.

If you file a third-party personal injury claim, you could be entitled to a broader range of compensation than you might get for a workers’ comp claim, such as:

  • The full value of your lost wages
  • Projected future healthcare costs
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Diminished quality of life

In some cases, Tennessee workers can file both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury claim. The Sevierville work injury lawyers at The Terry Law Firm can outline all potential sources of compensation for you.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

If you get hurt on the job in Tennessee, acting quickly is crucial to ensure your safety and protect your right to workers’ compensation.

  • Seek emergency medical care if necessary, and inform your healthcare provider that your injury happened at work. While you can get emergency treatment from anywhere, any follow-up care must be done by a physician chosen from a list provided by your employer.
  • Notify your supervisor or employer about the injury. You have 15 days from the date of the injury (or the date the doctor diagnosed you with a job-related injury) to notify your boss or HR department.
  • Follow your medical provider’s advice and treatment plan. Failing to follow your doctor’s orders could jeopardize your workers’ comp claim.
  • Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and medical expenses. Request an Incident Report form from your employer. Be sure to write down the names of any coworkers who witnessed the accident and preserve any physical evidence related to your injury or the accident.

Meeting notification deadlines and providing detailed documentation on your workers’ compensation forms is crucial to make the claims process run smoothly. A work injury lawyer in Sevierville can help you prepare and submit an accurate claim to avoid setbacks.

How Our Law Firm Helps People Hurt on the Job

Hiring the right attorney can make a huge difference in the outcome of your claim. The Terry Law Firm will help you navigate the Tennessee workers’ compensation process by:

  • Gathering and analyzing evidence to support your claim
  • Coordinating with medical professionals to document your injuries
  • Identifying all potential sources of compensation
  • Filing all necessary paperwork and meeting essential deadlines
  • Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf
  • Representing you during any appeals hearings, if necessary
  • Pursuing additional personal injury claims against third parties, if applicable

Reach out to The Terry Law Firm today for a helping hand you can trust after a workplace injury. Contact us now for a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer.