No one expects to get hurt at work, but it’s a sad truth that many employees are hurt on the job each day. If you are hurt on the job, it’s vital that you know how to move forward with a claim. For instance, did you know that you need to let your employer know about your injury within 15 days of your injury or from the time your doctor informs you it’s work-related?
It’s always wise to report your injury in writing as soon as possible, because it helps the process move more quickly. Your supervisor should complete all the necessary forms for you to make a workers’ compensation claim. If he or she does not or refuses to due to cost or not carrying workers’ compensation, you need to know that you have a right to workers’ compensation and that your employer may not prevent you from filing. Doing so is against the law.
In the case that you suffer an injury that requires emergency care, you should go to the emergency room or be taken to the closest emergency room immediately. Once you are in a stable condition, your employer may start the claims process with you.
You may be worried that you will be terminated if you report getting hurt on the job. The truth is that it’s against the law for an employer to fire an employee due to reporting a work-related injury. If you are fired for reporting an injury, your attorney can help you learn more about wrongful termination claims and help you report your injury to the Workers’ Compensation Division.
Source: Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, “A Beginner’s Guide to TN Workers’ Compensation A Beginner’s Guide to TN Workers’ Compensation,” accessed July 07, 2017
