Learn how you are protected by workers’ compensation policy

Do you worry about what would happen if you were to get injured on the job? You shouldn’t have to. You are protected by workers’ compensation laws that were put in place to keep workers from having to take care of their own medical expenses in case of emergency.

The core of the policy is founded in one simple agreement: employers agree to cover the cost of treatment for injuries sustained in the course of performing job duties regardless of fault, and employees waive their right to sue to seek damages. There are slight modifications in workers’ compensation policies from state to state, but the basics remain consistent across the country.*

If you become injured on the job, you should notify your employer as soon as possible; in fact, Tennessee state law requires that you do so within 30 days of sustaining the injury or being notified by a doctor that the injury is work-related. Your employer will then provide you with a panel of three approved doctors from which you may choose one to begin medical treatment. That doctor will then assist in determining what benefits are necessary, such as determining the course of treatment and length of time off if any is needed.

Benefits typically include coverage for the course of medical treatment required to heal the injury, but they may also include compensation for time lost while off work. Compensation for time off begins on the eighth day of absence from work, and if an employee must stay home for fifteen or more days, compensation is extended to include the first week off.

We hope that you don’t have to learn more about these policies firsthand, but know that you are protected and familiarize yourself with your rights. If you’re looking for an employer that is respectful of your rights and in need of your skills, look no further than Wright Brothers.

• _The workers’ compensation policy discussed here is based on the laws of the state of Tennessee. For more information, go to the state _website.