Workplace injuries aren't uncommon. Unfortunately, many people are involved in occupational accidents each year. However, most Tennessee employers carry workers compensation insurance to provide benefits to employees in these cases. In order to get the best possible results, victims need guidance in understanding state laws and the steps they must follow to start the legal process. Fortunately, at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have a compassionate and experienced team of attorneys ready to help injured workers fight for their rights.
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What Our Clients Have To Say
I have worked with Schuerger Shunnarah twice and they have been very helpful on my personal injury cases. They went above and beyond my expectations and did a great job both times.
- Ashley C.
Schuerger Shunnarah helped me receive a settlement on my case in just months. I was treated with respect and dignity. Thanks to their help, I have been able to get my life back to normal.
- Michael S.
They provided me with excellent service throughout my personal injury case. They were available to answer my questions and helped me understand the process. I am very grateful for them!
- Deshawn B.
Common Work-related Injuries
If involved in a work-related accident, workers may sustain different injuries. However, these are the most common:
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Repetitive strain injury
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Slips, trips, and falls
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Ear damage from loud noise exposure
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Cuts or abrasions
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Respiratory damage from toxic fumes
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Weight-related issues
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Neck pain
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Severe burns
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Broken bones and fractures
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Chronic headaches
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Traumatic brain injury
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Hand and wrist injuries
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Other injuries not listed here may also qualify for workers compensation benefits. Several may require treatment for years or be disabling. Therefore, victims should seek help from a professional attorney.
Our Nashville workers compensation attorneys understand that these injuries can be devastating and affect workers well-being, earning capacity, mental and physical health, quality of life, and more. However, we can help them fight for their rights, get fair compensation to cover related costs, and enjoy the peace of mind they deserve while recovering.
Benefits that Injured Workers Are Entitled to
Although the outcome depends on the circumstances surrounding each case, injured workers may be entitled to the following benefits:
Medical Benefits
Workers compensation covers victims' medical treatment for the time suggested by their physician or until the maximum medical improvement (MMI) is reached.
These benefits include all reasonable and necessary medical care services that employees may require to treat their injuries. Medical bills, medical supplies costs, and travel expenses may fall into this category.
Temporary Disability Benefits
After a workplace injury, many people aren't able to return to work, as they need long-term treatment or rehabilitation. In these cases, injured workers may receive benefits to replace their lost wages.
As long as the workers compensation claim is approved, they can receive weekly benefits that should account for two-thirds of the difference between the pre-injury and post-injury average wage.
Permanent Disability Benefits
Severe injuries can cause disabilities or have life-long consequences. As a result, people cannot recover or return to work and are eligible for these benefits.
Compensation for permanent disability must amount to two-thirds of workers average weekly wage.
Death Benefits
In the worst-case scenario, if the occupational injury or illness is severe, workers lose their lives. If this occurs, their relatives may receive compensation.
Overall, family members of a person who was killed in a workplace accident may receive up to $10,000 as benefits and compensation for burial costs.
Nashville workers compensation lawyers from Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys understand how local laws work and can help injured workers get the benefits they deserve.
We understand that workplace accidents can have physical, emotional, and financial consequences on people's lives. Therefore, we always go the extra mile to defend workers rights.
Our Nashville Workers Compensation Lawyers Are Ready to Help Injured Employees!
After sustaining an on-the-job injury, people may require expensive medical treatment, deal with pain, face monetary losses, and more. However, injured employees should know that they are not alone!
At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we have handled workers compensation cases for years and want to help Nashville employees make sure they receive the compensation they deserve after a workplace injury or illness.
Our team knows the Tennessee legal system and can advise injured employees, so they can make favorable decisions, file workers compensation claims, and get the best results.
Moreover, we understand that they must deal with expensive medical bills, stress, and losses during this overwhelming experience. Therefore, we take care of all related tasks to get fair compensation.
Understanding Tennessee Workers Compensation Law
As in other states, Tennessee handles these cases in accordance with the workers compensation law, which allows employees who have been injured in a workplace accident to get some benefits.
Essentially, the term "workers compensation" describes the insurance coverage for job-related injuries. It's mandatory for all Tennessee employers with more than five employees.
Victims can sue employers who don't carry workers compensation if they're injured in the workplace.
However, it's important to understand that workers compensation protects both employees and employers. If a company offers paid medical care and wages to an injured worker, it's unlikely to get sued.
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What Are the Common Causes of Workplace Injuries?
Many believe work-related injuries can only occur if they work in dangerous places or perform hazardous activities. However, accidents can happen anywhere.
Most workplace incidents are caused by the following:
Innately Dangerous Work
There are dangerous jobs that naturally pose higher risks for workers, including those related to the construction, machinery, and trucking industries.
However, employers are required to take safety precautions to avoid accidents and other risks. In addition, they must provide their employees with workers compensation coverage.
Environmental Hazards
Many workplace injuries are also caused by environmental hazards. If there is long-term exposure to hazardous agents or poor safety procedures, workers could have an accident, be injured, or suffer from occupational diseases, such as silicosis, byssinosis, and sick building syndrome.
Unsafe Worksite Practices
Most workplace accidents and injuries are caused by unsafe conditions, especially if a party is negligent or reckless.
Some of the examples that fall into this category include the following:
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Fall protection: Employees must provide workers with safety equipment to make sure the workplace is safe. If there are missing rails or protection points, for example, people can suffer deadly falls.
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Wires and cords: If poorly organized, wires and cords can become tripping hazards. Furthermore, if they're improperly used, they may also violate the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
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Maintenance: Employers must also perform regular maintenance to ensure the workplace is in excellent condition. If there is trash, spills, and clutter, the risk of slips and falls is higher.
Identifying the cause of the occupational accident is essential to file a workers compensation claim. At Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, we understand that this process is complex and time-consuming. Therefore, we help injured workers investigate their cases and collect enough evidence to support them.
Sometimes, the employer's insurance company will deny that victims' injuries occurred while on the job or claim that they are not severe to diminish workers compensation benefits.
Fortunately, our Nashville workers compensation attorneys can guide employees through the legal process to file a claim, hold at-fault parties accountable, and obtain the benefits they are entitled to.
Tennessee Workers Compensation Information Center
What Is the Maximum Medical Improvement in Nashville, TN?
After sustaining injuries in the workplace, employees have the right to get medical treatment and legal advice to seek compensation. However, the maximum medical improvement plays a key role in the outcome and for how long claimants can receive benefits.
The MMI is the point where an injured worker's medical condition will not improve because all treatment options have been exhausted. In both Tennessee and other states, it's determined by doctors.
However, the MMI does not mean that injured workers have fully recovered. Instead, it's seen as the point when they should settle a case since it's used to define the total or partial impairment caused by the injury.
When the employer's insurance company or the physician doesn't understand the MMI requirements, workers may receive less than what they're entitled to. Therefore, in some cases, employees are required to undergo an independent medical exam (IME) for a second opinion.
Why Seek Help from a Lawyer to File a Workers Comp Claim
Naturally, workers compensation cases are complex. Injured employees must follow a few steps before filing a claim, such as reporting the injury to their employer and proving it occurred in the workplace.
Moreover, some employers and insurance companies will deny injured workers claims to reduce compensation. They want to protect their best interests!
However, experienced Nashville workers compensation lawyers can help victims understand their rights, collect evidence to prove the injury is work-related, negotiate with insurance companies on their behalf, and more.
These are the benefits of hiring workers comp attorneys:
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An experienced workers compensation attorney thoroughly understands federal and local laws.
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Experts will always fight for workers rights and do what it takes to ensure victims receive all the benefits they're entitled to.
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Injured employees who work with experienced attorneys often get more money for their worker's compensation claims than those who don't hire experts.
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Lawyers can appeal denials in order to get favorable results for the injured worker.
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Seasoned attorneys can handle discussions with insurance companies and the workers comp board so that victims get the benefits they deserve while they focus on healing.
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An experienced attorney can help injured employees understand the process and make better decisions.
Call Us Today and Get a Free Consultation
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys' team is willing to fight for injured workers rights and get the compensation they're entitled to. Call us today and get a free consultation! We go to war for you!