Injuries are a workplace reality, whether you work in a shipping center or an office. The U.S. Office of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website lists some of the most common workplace injuries as falls, accidents caused by machinery or vehicles, fire or explosions, and repetitive stress injuries, from back pain to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Workers’ compensation is a type of employer-covered accident insurance designed to protect employees from the burden of costs associated with being out of work due to workplace-related illness or injury.
The good news is that Tennessee’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, which creates workplace compensation policies, allows victims to be treated by authorized treating physicians (ATP) who can refer patients to approved specialized physicians for specific problems.
If you suffer a musculoskeletal injury, Dr. Apurva Dalal offers expert and compassionate orthopedic treatment. If you’re covered by workers’ compensation, also known as “workers’ comp,” your medical bills will be covered for the amount of time prescribed by your employer-assigned ATP.
What you need to know about a workplace injury
Workplace injuries can be serious enough to cause temporary or permanent disability. If you suffer an injury on the job, workers’ compensation can save you financially.
The first thing you should do is report your injury to your employer. Each state has different deadlines for when you must report an injury to your employer, but this initial step will pave the way for you to file a claim.
In Tennessee, you can be compensated for reduced or lost wages if you’ve been injured on the job. In certain instances, you’re even entitled to mileage reimbursement for your visits to the doctor if a one-way trip exceeds 15 miles.
How do I find out if I qualify for workers’ compensation?
An important thing to know is that workers’ comp laws differ by state, so be sure to focus on Tennessee’s laws and policies when you research. The area of workers comp has a language all its own, so it’s good to familiarize yourself with it as you pursue compensation.
You’ll likely qualify for workers’ comp if your employer has five or more employees, as it’s required by the state of Tennessee. Construction firms and coal mines must have workers’ comp insurance no matter how many people they employ. Independent workers, domestic workers, and certain agricultural workers are often excluded in many states.
Next, consult the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development website, which details:
- The injury reporting and claim filing procedures
- Which benefits you’re entitled to
- How physicians are chosen to treat you
- Any and all potential injury-related cost coverage
It’s important to be certain that you qualify before you go forward with pursuing a claim. If you do, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney who specializes in this area.
What if I need a knowledgeable orthopedic specialist and surgeon after my workplace accident?
Tri-State Orthopaedics offers advanced care to patients who have suffered workplace injuries. Dr. Dalal treats injuries of the hip, knee, shoulder, back, and more, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome. We also provide physical therapy and rehab services at our Germantown office.
What sets us apart is that Dr. Dalal is an esteemed member of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, so he’s highly attuned to the issues that face patients who’ve experienced injuries at work.
We offer the perfect blend of “down home” compassion, sophisticated medical technology, and complete fluency in advanced treatment methods.
Seek treatment for your workers’ compensation injury
Call either one of our offices, conveniently located in Memphis and Germantown, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dalal, or book one online. He’ll assist you as you navigate your post-injury journey.