After a work injury, you may have lots of questions about medical care, time off work and job security. Many employees are confused about the workers’ compensation laws. Others are scared how their employer will treat them. Common questions employees have include, “Will I get paid while I’m off work?” and “What happens if my injury keeps me from going back to my job?” A good workers’ compensation lawyer can answer these questions and help you navigate the confusing work comp laws.

An Important Choice

You need to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a work injury because injured workers do not have a lot of choices under Tennessee’s workers’ compensation laws but one choice they do get is choosing from the list of three doctors their employer is required to give them. Getting the treatment you need can depend on choosing the best doctor for your injury. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers will help with that choice.

Did you know that if your workers’ compensation doctor takes you off work for seven days, your employer doesn’t have to pay you? If the doctor takes you off for eight days or more, however, you have to be paid for your time off. You want to choose a doctor who is focused on getting you the treatment and the rest you need to get better. You don’t want one who is trying to save the insurance company the most money.

The Right to Leave

Many injured workers are surprised to learn that they have a right to continue getting treatment for their work injury even if they quit or get fired from their job. The Workers’ Compensation laws give injured workers a right to medical treatment for life for their injury. The law does limit your right on who you can see. You have to see the approved doctor, also known as the authorized treating physician, in order for the insurance company to have to pay for it. The doctor also has to say that the problems you are having are more than 50% due to the work injury.

Get Help With Your Claim

Contact us today for a free evalution of your case and answers to your questions about your work injury. You’ll get an honest assessment of your claim and the benefits you may be due.