Individuals who are injured on the job face many challenges. Those in the industrial or manufacturing industry are most at risk, but a person could be hurt working in any field. The workers’ compensation system is in place to help you recover financial costs related to any injury you might sustain while in the workplace. These reimbursements can cover expenses related to medical treatment and can even provide disability payments.
If you have been injured on the job, you deserve help from a dedicated personal injury attorney you can rely on to be your advocate. Let the Bartlett workers’ compensation lawyers at the Law Office of David E. Gordon fight for your rights.
Workplace Injuries and the Workers’ Compensation System
The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation system is meant to help injured workers get coverage for work-related injuries. They are supposed to timely and effectively provide services that help injured employees get healthy and back to their jobs as soon as possible.
These types of accidents commonly fall under the umbrella of the workers’ compensation system:
- Construction site accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Stair, ladder, and scaffolding falls
- Premises liability accidents
- Hazardous substance exposure
- Slip and fall accidents at work
- Defective equipment accidents
- Lack of training on dangerous equipment
This system is designed to protect the rights of workers and businesses alike. Unlike other types of cases, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. This means that if a person was hurt on the job, they should be covered regardless of who caused the accident. Even if an employee’s own negligence caused their injuries, they would still be covered while employed.
As simple as it sounds, there are many specific details and deadlines that must be met, and it is helpful to have the guidance of a Bartlett attorney skilled in workers’ compensation cases, especially in the event of a denial.
Appealing a Workers’ Compensation Denial
Employers do not face the risk of compensating for pain and suffering and other non-economic costs in most situations. However, it is not uncommon for an employer to deny a worker’s comp claim in an attempt to save money.
Under state law, a person has the right to appeal their employer’s denial. To start this process, the employee files a Petition for Benefits Determination with the state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. They must file this within one year of the accident giving rise to the claim, the last benefit payment, or the last authorized treatment, whichever occurs latest.
If this is not successful, they can send a Dispute Certification Notice to the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims for a hearing before a judge. This decision may be once again appealed to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board within thirty days of an adverse decision or directly to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Filing an appeal is a complicated process that is best handled with assistance from a Bartlett workers’ comp lawyer.
Pursue Benefits With a Bartlett Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The workers’ compensation system is complex but is meant to work for you – not against you. Whether you are trying to apply for benefits or need to fight a denial, an adept Bartlett worker’s compensation lawyer can assist you in this often complicated and frustrating process.
Call the Law Office of David E. Gordon today for a free consultation to get you started on the path of receiving the compensation you deserve.
