No one goes to work thinking that they might be injured that day, but the reality is that many Tennessee residents do suffer on-the-job injuries each year. In those instances, the injured workers face difficult financial circumstances, as they may be unable to work for an extended period of time and, thus, are unable to earn an income. That is when workers’ compensation may come into play.
Injured workers in Tennessee need to know their rights under workers’ compensation law. For example, perhaps the most fundamental right of workers under workers’ compensation law is the right to report the injury to the employer and not fear that, in doing so, the worker might face retaliation, such as termination of employment. The law prohibits employers from taking such action.
However, workers do have certain requirements that they must follow if they are injured on-the-job. Besides reporting the injury to the employer as soon as possible, the worker must seek the appropriate medical treatment for the injury and then, if necessary, file the appropriate claim for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are paid to workers who are forced to miss time from work due to an on-the-job injury. While the benefits are not equal to the amount of wages the worker would have earned, they can help make up for financial losses.
In the event that a claim for workers’ compensation is denied, workers have the right to challenge that decision. It may be that the worker needs to provide more details or evidence in order for a decision to come down their way.