Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Sevierville, Tennessee
Were you hurt at work in Sevierville, Tennessee, and wondering what to do next? The Terry Law Firm is ready to support you in pursuing your workers’ compensation claim and seeking the maximum benefits you’re entitled to by law. Our Sevierville workers’ compensation attorneys can simplify the claims process for you, manage all the necessary documents, and protect your rights every step of the way.
Take the first step toward getting your workers’ compensation benefits by contacting The Terry Law Firm for a free initial consultation today.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Sevierville, TN
Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support you from the moment you’re injured until you’re ready to return to work. Here’s a closer look at the types of benefits you can expect from a successful workers’ comp claim in Sevierville:
- Medical benefits – You get coverage for all medical treatments related to your workplace injury. That includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and surgeries. You don’t pay anything – your employer’s insurance covers your medical costs directly.
- Mileage reimbursement – If you must travel for treatment, you can get money back for mileage, parking, and tolls. The reimbursement rate is based on standard mileage rates set by the state.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) – If you can work but cannot earn as much as before due to your injury, TPD benefits can make up part of the difference. They replace up to two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wage before and after the injury.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) – If you can’t work at all while recovering, TTD benefits can replace a portion of your lost wages. You can get up to two-thirds of your average weekly earnings from before the injury, up to a maximum amount set by law.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) – If you have lasting limitations but can still perform some lower-paid work after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), you can claim PPD benefits. The amount you get depends on the nature of your impairment and your average earnings before the injury.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) – If you can’t return to any work at all after reaching MMI, you can claim PTD benefits. These benefits provide two-thirds of your average weekly wages from before the injury until you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits.
- Death benefits – If a worker dies from a work-related injury, surviving family members can claim death benefits. These benefits pay funeral expenses up to a specific limit and provide financial support for dependents, calculated similarly to TTD benefits.
What Steps Do I Take to Receive My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
If you get hurt at work in Sevierville, acting quickly to get the support you need is essential. Workers’ compensation can cover your medical bills and some of your lost wages, but you must follow a few steps to ensure you’re covered. Here’s what you need to do:
- Seek medical treatment. See a doctor to get your injuries checked out. Your employer should have a list of approved doctors from which you can choose. However, if it’s an emergency, you can immediately go to the nearest emergency room.
- Report your injury. Let your boss or supervisor know about your injury as soon as possible. You must do this within 15 days of the accident or when you find out your injury is work-related. Waiting too long could mean losing your right to claim benefits.
- Make sure your employer files a report. After you tell them about your injury, your employer must report your injury to their workers’ compensation insurance. They have a tight deadline, too, so check to ensure they do it.
- File a petition for benefit determination. If your employer does not do so for you, you may need to fill out and file this form yourself. Our lawyers can help you with this process.
- Wait for the insurance company to review your claim. The insurance company will review your claim to decide if they’ll pay out benefits. They’ll review your medical records and might ask you for more information before they make a decision.
- Receive your benefits. If the insurance company approves your claim, they’ll start paying for your medical treatments and wage-replacement benefits.
- Appeal if necessary. If the insurance company denies your claim or gives you less than you think you are owed, you can challenge their decision. Talk to our experienced Sevierville workers’ compensation lawyers to learn more about the requirements and deadlines for filing an appeal.
Types of Workplace Injuries in Sevierville, TN
No matter how safe it seems, every job carries some risk of injury. Some of the injuries that most often affect workers across various industries in Sevierville include:
- Bone fractures
- Back and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Hearing loss
- Vision loss
- Burn injuries
- Sprains, strains, and tears
- Soreness and pain
- Cuts, lacerations, and punctures
- Bruises and contusions
Common Causes of Sevierville Work-Related Accidents
No one heads to work expecting to get hurt, but work-related injuries are all too common due to a variety of causes. Some examples of common causes of workplace injuries include:
- Repetitive motion
- Overexertion from lowering or lifting
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Motorized vehicle wrecks on roadways or on job sites, such as construction sites
- Strains or sprains
- Falls from heights, such as from ladders or platforms
- Being struck, crushed, or compressed by equipment or objects
- Explosions, fires, or electrocution incidents
- Workplace violence
- Exposure to harmful substances, chemicals, or fumes
How Do I Know When It’s Time to Hire a Sevierville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
It’s best to contact our Sevierville workers’ compensation lawyers right after you experience a work injury. Our lawyers can handle every aspect of the claims process for you so that you can focus on your recovery. That includes filing paperwork, gathering evidence, and meeting statutory deadlines.
Your attorney for workers’ comp will fight for your rights to seek all the benefits you’re entitled to. Plus, we can handle any challenges that arise, such as claim delay, undervaluation, or denial. Working with our lawyers early on means you have a professional on your side from the start to help you avoid mistakes and deliver the results you deserve.
Get a Free Case Evaluation from the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at The Terry Law Firm
Dealing with a workplace injury in Sevierville can be overwhelming, but remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. The Terry Law Firm is ready to help you with your workers’ compensation claim from start to finish.
Contact us today for your free initial consultation, and let’s tackle this together.