If you have been injured on the job in Tennessee, you are likely wondering how you will make ends meet while you recover. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide a financial safety net for people hurt at work, but how much can you expect to receive in benefits?
The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury and your average weekly wage. Here is what you need to know about the types of benefits available under Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system, how payments are calculated, and how a Knoxville workers’ compensation attorney can fight for the full amount you’re entitled to.
Medical Benefits
Under Tennessee law, you have the right to receive compensation for all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance must cover doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and medical equipment. You can also recover benefits for mileage reimbursement if you need to travel to your medical appointments.
Temporary Disability Benefits
While you recover from your work injury, you may qualify for temporary disability benefits to replace a portion of your lost wages. If you are completely unable to work during this time, you can receive temporary total disability benefits equal to two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage. The current maximum is $1,360.70 per week for injuries occurring between July 2024 and June 2025.
If you can perform light-duty work but earn less than before, temporary partial disability benefits make up two-thirds of the difference between your current and previous wages. For example, if your wages dropped from $1,200 to $800 weekly, you would receive $266.67 in benefits, which is equal to two-thirds of the $400 difference.
Permanent Disability Benefits
When you reach maximum medical improvement after your injury, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits if you suffer lasting effects. Your doctor will evaluate you for impairments at this time. If you cannot return to any type of work, you may qualify for permanent total disability benefits at the same rate as your temporary total disability payments. Permanent disability benefits continue until you reach Social Security retirement age.
For permanent partial disabilities, benefits are calculated using an impairment rating provided by your doctor. You receive two-thirds of your pre-injury wage for a number of weeks determined by multiplying your impairment percentage by 450.
How to Accurately Value Your Workers’ Comp Claim
While you are entitled to workers’ comp benefits after an on-the-job injury, many insurers are hesitant to pay fairly. They may state that your accident was not work-related or that your injuries are not as serious as you claimed. To recover maximum compensation for your work injury, consult with a Tennessee workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.
Your attorney will evaluate all aspects of your case, including wage records, medical documentation, and expert opinions to calculate the full value of your claim. They can also identify additional benefits you may qualify for, aggressively pursuing all potential avenues to compensation.
Do not risk leaving money on the table or accepting an inadequate settlement. Most workers’ compensation attorneys offer free consultations and only get paid if they win your case. Schedule a case evaluation today with The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto to understand the true value of your claim and start fighting for the benefits you deserve.