If you have been injured on the job in Tennessee, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can cover a range of expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, lost wages, and disability payments. But how much can you really receive for your injuries under Tennessee workers’ compensation law? Let’s take a closer look at the factors that determine your benefits.
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The Two Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There are two types of workers’ compensation benefits available in Tennessee. These are:
- Medical Benefits – Covers all reasonable medical expenses related to a work-related injury or illness.
- Disability Benefits – Covers a portion of the worker’s lost wages due to their disability.
How Disability Benefits Are Calculated
Tennessee workers’ compensation law provides for four types of disability benefits:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) up to a maximum amount per week set by law. You can receive TTD benefits if your doctor finds you are unable to work due to your work-related injury or illness.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Pays a reduced benefit if you are able to work but earn less than your pre-injury wages. This benefit is calculated as two-thirds of the difference between your AWW and your post-injury wages.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Pays a lump-sum benefit based on the type and extent of your permanent impairment. The benefit amount is based on a schedule established in Tennessee law.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Pays a weekly benefit for the rest of your life if you are permanently and totally disabled due to your work-related injury or illness. The benefit amount is based on your AWW and your age at the time of the injury.
Other Considerations
There are some other factors to consider when calculating your workers’ compensation benefits in Tennessee. These can include:
- Scheduled Injury: Some types of injuries, such as the loss of a limb or vision, are specifically listed in Tennessee law along with a set benefit amount.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: If you had a pre-existing condition that was aggravated by your work-related injury, your benefits may be reduced. This will depend on a variety of factors including evidence of your pre-existing condition and how much it contributed to your disability.
- Receiving Other Benefits: If you are already receiving other benefits, such as social security disability or a pension, your workers’ compensation benefits may be reduced to account for these other benefits.
Conclusion
Calculating your workers’ compensation benefits in Tennessee can be complex, as there are many factors to consider. However, by understanding the basics of how disability benefits are calculated and what other considerations may affect your benefits, you can get a better idea of what you may be eligible for. It’s important to work closely with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under Tennessee law.