People across Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley depend on their jobs to support their families, whether they’re construction workers on downtown development projects, line workers along I-24, employees at the Volkswagen plant in Enterprise South, or teachers in the Hamilton County School District.
Every workplace, from bustling warehouse facilities near the riverfront to quiet office buildings along Broad Street, carries its own risks. While some jobs come with more obvious physical hazards, even seemingly low-risk professions can lead to serious injuries without proper safety measures in place.
Under Tennessee law, employers are required to follow strict safety standards and provide workers’ compensation benefits when accidents happen. This coverage helps injured employees manage their medical bills, lost wages, and recovery expenses.
At Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, we proudly advocate for Chattanooga’s workforce. It’s our goal to ensure that from industrial sites to office spaces, every injured worker in the Scenic City receives the fair treatment and financial support they deserve after a workplace accident.
Injured at Work?
Our Chattanooga workers’ compensation lawyers are prepared to help you file a claim or appeal if the insurance company already denied your claim.
Working with an experienced law firm like Gary Massey Injury Lawyers helps protect your rights and may increase your chances of recovering all the compensation you need.
Our lawyers have helped numerous employees secure benefits, and we represent work injury victims at no upfront cost. An initial legal consultation is also free. We are ready to take your call 24/7.
Causes of Workplace Injuries
Because each workplace is different, the causes of an on-the-job illness or injury are varied and numerous. Some basic causes, which may overlap between industries and job sites, include:
- Carelessness
- Equipment/machinery malfunction
- Human error
- Improper maintenance
- Improper training
- Lack of safety protocols
- Lack of supervision
- Misconduct
- Negligence
- Poor quality/incorrect tools
- Product defects
Regardless of the cause and even if the injury was accidentally caused by the injured employee himself, employers must provide benefits when employee injuries occur in the course and scope and arise out of the employment.
Depending on the cause of a job site injury, there may be a number of parties that may be held liable, including another employee, equipment manufacturers, contractors and sub-contractors, outside individuals, and even employers.
However, in most states, including Tennessee, an injured employee may not sue their employer for negligence. Workers’ compensation is their only remedy. But it is possible for an employee to file a lawsuit against third parties.
Where to Get Treatment for a Workplace Injury in Chattanooga
If you’ve suffered an on-the-job injury, getting prompt and qualified medical attention is essential for both your recovery and your workers’ compensation claim. Chattanooga offers several trusted hospitals and rehabilitation centers equipped to handle everything from broken bones and burns to spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.
- Erlanger Baroness Hospital: As Chattanooga’s only Level I Trauma Center, Erlanger is the region’s top destination for workers who experience serious injuries from construction accidents, vehicle crashes, or falls. Their comprehensive trauma and orthopedic departments provide immediate emergency care, imaging, and surgical options for severe injuries sustained on the job.
- CHI Memorial Hospital: Known for its excellent orthopedic and neurosurgery programs, CHI Memorial treats many workplace injuries involving joint, muscle, and nerve damage. Their physicians also specialize in repetitive stress and overexertion injuries, which are common among industrial and warehouse workers throughout Hamilton County.
- Parkridge Medical Center: Parkridge’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and Emergency Department are well equipped to treat both acute trauma and long-term recovery cases. Whether you were injured operating machinery or suffered a fall from a ladder, their integrated care team helps patients transition from hospital care to rehabilitation with a focus on restoring movement and function.
- Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation: Siskin is Chattanooga’s primary facility for post-acute rehabilitation, helping injured workers recover strength, coordination, and independence after serious injuries. Their customized therapy programs address orthopedic, neurological, and occupational injuries, making it an important resource for those recovering after hospitalization.
It’s important to note that if you are beginning a workers’ compensation claim in Chattanooga, you are generally required to see a doctor approved or assigned by your employer or their insurance provider for your ongoing treatment. Tennessee law gives employers the right to present a list of authorized physicians, often called a “panel of doctors,” from which you must choose in order to keep your claim valid.
The hospitals and rehabilitation centers listed above are intended for emergency or immediate post-injury care, when fast medical attention is necessary to stabilize your condition. Once your initial treatment is complete, your employer’s approved medical provider will handle your follow-up care, physical therapy, and any work restrictions as your recovery continues.
Who is Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Tennessee?
Workers’ compensation covers most full and part-time employees in the state. Tennessee requires every employer with at least five employees to purchase coverage. State and local governments and those who employ domestic help or farm labor are exempt from this requirement.
Construction companies are required to carry coverage, even if they do not employ five people. However, construction companies can apply for an exemption from workers’ comp coverage.
The state requires every employer subject to the workers’ compensation law to display a document telling employees what to do after a work injury.
If you were injured at work and your employer is required to have coverage, our Chattanooga workers’ compensation lawyer is ready to help you pursue your claim. We can answer your legal questions during a free consultation.
What Workplace Injuries Qualify for Benefits?
If you were injured while engaged in work-related activity, and your employer is required to have workers’ compensation, you should be eligible for benefits.
Full or part-time employees can also seek compensation for illnesses caused by exposure to toxic substances and repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
You might be concerned about your eligibility if you were partially or fully at fault for the accident that caused your injury. However, workers’ compensation is no-fault coverage. You can obtain benefits regardless of who is at fault.
That said, if you were injured by engaging in a prank or horseplay, or after starting a fight with another employee, you are probably ineligible for coverage. However, if you were the victim of a fight or prank, you would likely still be eligible for coverage.
Unsure about your eligibility for benefits? Contact Gary Massey Injury Lawyers today.
What Benefits Can I Receive for My Workplace Injury?
Our Chattanooga workers’ compensation lawyers help work injury victims secure coverage for their medical care and lost wages. The insurance company will pay for medical care from your authorized treating physician for as long as he or she deems it necessary.
This may include emergency care, but only if there is an immediate need for care that is reasonable and necessary. You can also seek reimbursement for mileage if you must travel more than 15 miles in one direction for care.
Work injury victims can also seek compensation for disability caused by the accident, including:
Temporary Disability
- Temporary partial disability: These are for workers who can return to the job on light duty. Temporary partial disability benefits are 66 and two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wage and your gross light duty wages.
- Temporary total disability: These are for employees who cannot work at all during their recovery. These start on your eighth day of disability. If you are disabled for 14 days or more, you can receive benefits for those first eight days.
Permanent Disability
- Permanent partial disability: This is for workers who have a permanent impairment that limits their ability to work.
- Permanent total disability: This is for workers who are totally disabled and will not be able to return to any job.
Death Benefits
- Wage replacement: If the worker had no dependents, the deceased’s estate will receive $20,000. If there is a surviving spouse or dependent children, they will receive 66 and two-thirds percent of the worker’s average weekly wage.
- Burial costs: If the fatal injury occurred on or after May 19, 2017, the benefit is $10,000.
Can Independent Contractors Get Workers’ Comp Benefits?
No, independent contractors cannot obtain workers’ compensation benefits. This insurance is reserved for employees. However, in Chattanooga, disputes often arise over whether a worker was truly an independent contractor or actually functioning as an employee.
For example, delivery drivers, construction subcontractors, and gig workers throughout Hamilton County are sometimes misclassified to avoid providing benefits. If you’re unsure about your employment status or believe you were wrongfully denied workers’ comp coverage, the attorneys at Gary Massey Injury Lawyers can review your job arrangement and help determine whether you’re legally entitled to protection under Tennessee workers’ compensation laws.
What if I Was Injured Away From Work?
Workers’ compensation coverage often extends beyond the physical boundaries of your usual workplace. If you were performing job-related duties, such as driving between job sites in Chattanooga, making a delivery to a client in East Ridge, or attending a work-sponsored event in Hamilton County, you might still be covered.
Tennessee law focuses on whether the injury occurred “in the course and scope” of your employment, not just where it happened. Even injuries suffered while traveling for business or working off-site on construction or maintenance projects could qualify for benefits. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can help you prove that your activities were connected to your job and ensure your claim is properly documented.
How Do I Report My Injury?
Tell your supervisor right away. Once you report your injury, your employer is obligated to help you get the medical care you need. In Tennessee, workers have only 15 days from the date of the injury (or when they became aware of it) to notify their employer, so prompt reporting is critical.
If you’re employed by a large Chattanooga company like EPB, TVA, or a regional construction firm, your HR department will typically provide the necessary forms and direct you to an approved medical provider. Be sure to submit your report in writing and keep a copy for your records. Doing so helps protect your rights if the employer later disputes your claim.
Can I Go to My Usual Doctor for Medical Care?
No, after getting initial medical treatment, you must choose from a panel of three physicians selected by your employer. The doctor you choose is known as an Authorized Treating Physician (ATP). This doctor will oversee your treatment, refer you to specialists when needed, and determine when you’re medically able to return to work.
While this rule can feel restrictive, it ensures that your care is formally documented for your workers’ comp claim. In emergency situations, such as being taken to Erlanger or Parkridge Medical Center after a workplace accident, you can receive treatment right away, but you’ll still need to select an ATP for all follow-up visits and long-term care once your claim is processed.
My Claim Was Denied – What Should I Do Now?
- If your employer or their insurance company denies medical care, you or your lawyer can file for a utilization review.
- If your claim is denied or you think you are entitled to more compensation, you can file for a hearing in the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims.
- If you disagree with the decision of the court, you can appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board or even the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Our Chattanooga workers’ compensation lawyers are prepared to manage every step of your appeal.
Call Your Chattanooga Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
If you were injured at work in Chattanooga or the surrounding area, contacting a lawyer is a critical step in protecting your rights. Our Chattanooga workers’ compensation lawyers have the resources and legal know-how to pursue full compensation for medical costs and lost wages, and we charge no upfront fees.
Our office is conveniently located just a few minutes away from the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport.
Learn more about your options after a workplace injury: [firm-phone-number]
