Tennessee’s workers’ compensation system exists to help injured workers in their time of need. Unfortunately, this system can be difficult to navigate, and sometimes valid claims can be denied. At The McMahan Law Firm, our Cleveland workers’ comp lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the benefits you may be entitled to. If your injury happened on the job, don’t go it alone—let us handle the legal side of things so you can focus on healing.
Talk to a Cleveland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been hurt at work, especially if you are facing a denied claim, our Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to answer your questions and guide you towards a successful outcome. Let The McMahan Law Firm fight for the benefits you could be owed!
Getting Help Is Fast and Easy
If you need help pursuing workers’ comp, it just takes a phone call to get our experienced attorneys on your case.
You Deserve Compensation
Workers’ comp is in place to protect you, and you’re entitled to these benefits. Let us help you fight for what you may be owed.
No Fees Upfront
You’ll pay no fees upfront for your case. In fact, you won’t owe us a dime unless we get you the benefits you deserve.
Table of Contents
Our Cleveland Workers’ Comp Attorneys
Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Laws
The workers’ compensation system is designed to support employees who get hurt or sick on the job. Most Tennessee employers with 5 or more workers are required by law to carry workers’ comp insurance. If you’re in construction or coal mining, the law applies even if your employer has fewer than 5 employees.
This system is also no-fault, meaning you don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits. As long as your injury happened while you were doing your job, you may be eligible for medical treatment and partial wage replacement—even if the accident was your own mistake.
Who’s Not Covered?
Not every worker is protected under Tennessee’s workers’ comp laws. Independent contractors, domestic workers, certain agricultural employees, and some seasonal or casual workers might not be covered. Employers sometimes misclassify workers to avoid paying benefits, so if you’re unsure where you stand, our Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyers can help review your status.
Do You Qualify for Workers’ Comp Benefits?
If you were injured while doing your job, there’s a good chance you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits under Tennessee law. But qualifying depends on a few key factors, and your employer or their insurance company might try to argue against your claim.
In general, you may be eligible for workers’ comp in Cleveland, TN, if:
- You were injured or developed an illness while performing work-related duties.
- You are classified as an employee (not an independent contractor).
- You reported your injury to your employer within 15 calendar days of the incident.
- Your employer is required to carry workers’ comp coverage.
If all of these apply, your next step is to file a claim, and our team can help you do it correctly from the start.
Common Reasons Claims Are Denied
Even valid claims can be denied for technical or disputed reasons, including:
- Missing the reporting deadline
- Disputes over whether the injury was work-related
- Being treated by an unauthorized doctor
- Employer claiming you’re not covered
You don’t have to accept a denial. If your employer is questioning your eligibility, our Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyers can step in and fight for your right to benefits.
Choose Board Certified – Not Billboard
Just because it’s on a billboard doesn’t mean it’s the best option. Lawyers who shell out all that money for billboard ads are all talk and no substance. You and your family deserve the legal aid only a board-certified attorney can give you. Attorneys Jay, Brent, and Herbert at The McMahan Law Firm are Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. We have the knowledge and experience you can trust to help you seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Workers’ Comp Benefits Available in TN
If you’re hurt on the job in Cleveland or anywhere else in Tennessee, you may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits, including compensation for:
All reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury should be covered, including:
- Doctor visits
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to appointments
If your doctor says you can’t work while recovering, you may receive temporary total disability (TTD) payments. These replace a portion of your lost wages, usually ⅔ of your average weekly wage, up to a state-set maximum that changes yearly.
If your injury results in permanent limitations, you may qualify for:
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): if you can work in some capacity but not at your previous level.
- Permanent total disability (PTD): if you’re unable to return to any type of employment.
The amount and duration depend on the severity of your injury and your ability to earn a living.
In some cases, you may be offered vocational training or job placement assistance if you can’t return to your previous line of work. These services can help you transition into a new job or career path.
If a worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness, their dependents may receive death benefits, including wage replacement and funeral costs.
What to Do After a Work Injury
After a workplace injury in Cleveland, TN, the steps you take can directly impact whether you receive the workers’ comp benefits you may deserve. Here’s what you should do to protect your rights:
1. Report the Injury Immediately
You must notify your employer within 15 calendar days of the incident. The sooner you report it, the better. Verbal notice is allowed, but written notice is safer and easier to prove later if there’s a dispute.
2. Ask for an Approved Doctor
Tennessee workers’ compensation law requires your employer to provide a list of authorized medical providers. Choosing a doctor from this list is important. If you go to someone else, your treatment might not be covered.
3. Get Medical Treatment
Even if your injury seems minor, getting evaluated by a doctor creates an official medical record. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all appointments to avoid gaps in care that insurance companies may use against you.
4. Contact an Attorney
Getting a lawyer early in the process can help you avoid common mistakes and strengthen your claim. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can ensure your rights are protected, guide you through the process, and step in if your claim is denied or delayed.
5. File a Claim
Your employer should report your injury to their insurance provider. You should receive a Notice of Rights and Benefits and a copy of the insurance claim. If you don’t get this or your employer refuses to report your injury, contact a lawyer right away. You must also apply for workers’ comp benefits to ensure your claim is processed properly.
6. Monitor Your Claim
Workers’ comp insurers may delay or deny claims without good reason. If you aren’t getting responses or your benefits are cut off suddenly, that’s a red flag. You have the right to appeal.
What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
I want to thank each and every one involved in my case. I have no doubt I would not have succeeded on my own. I’m glad I listened to my sister advising me to use an attorney. The McMahan Law Firm is tops. Thanks again.
-S.C.Brent was always honest, thoughtful and understanding. We are grateful for the time you spent on us.
-R.D.Guys listen! My Attorneys Jill Crouch and Brent who run the place are the most proficient accident attorneys I've ever witnessed! No lie, I got awarded an amount bigger than a yearly salary from an 18 wheeler accident settlement through them!! (If you know, you know!) I get paid sometime this month! It took less than a year to settle and the ONLY reason it took that long was because the treatment was extensive and needed months to complete. If you're EVER in an accident in the state of Tennessee, MCMAHAN LAW FIRM NEEDS TO BE YOUR FIRST CALL AFTER THE AMBULANCE!!! THIS GROUP OF ATTORNEYS ARE CHANGING, SAVING AND REVIVING LIVES!! TRUE STORY!
-P.T.Julie Gee did an outstanding job for me and I greatly appreciate it. I would recommend her and the law firm to anyone. Thanks for everything.
-B.K.Very impressed and thankful for the manner in which you do business… most certainly for the people… from greeting [me] at the door throughout all business handled. Please never fail to keep up the good work. Thanks again.
-L.P.I just wanted to thank you for the all the hard work that the McMahan Law Firm has done for me. I appreciate your patience and determination, and of course your super skills in the courtroom. This has been life changing for me and my family, God bless all of you!! Thanks again and take care.
-W.J.Jay [is] a very good lawyer, and he was also concerned about my well-being. Janice was always there to answer any questions that we had.
-T.G.I want to thank you again for representing me. The McMahan Law Firm is not only a good law firm; [the staff and lawyers] are good people as well. I would recommend you to a friend or enemy. Thank you again.
-G.W.I feel that the McMahan Law Firm put me first. I’m very satisfied with the results that I received from them, and I would recommend them to anyone. I thank you very much.
-B.C.Your team makes the clients feel like their case is important no matter how small the case may be or how small the benefits may be.
-R.M.Common Injuries on the Job
Workplace accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries. Some are obvious, others are slow to develop over time. Whether you slipped and fell or developed pain from years of repetitive tasks, you may still qualify for workers’ compensation. Some common work injuries include:
- Back injuries, often from lifting, bending, or repetitive strain
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions from falls or being struck by objects
- Repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis
- Broken bones, especially in construction, manufacturing, or warehouse work
- Joint injuries, including shoulder, knee, and ankle injuries
- Burns and electrical injuries, from faulty equipment or unsafe conditions
- Crush injuries and amputations, common in factory, industrial, or machinery-related accidents
- Occupational illnesses, such as respiratory conditions or chemical exposure injuries
Even if your injury doesn’t fall into one of these categories, it may still qualify. What matters most is whether it happened while you were doing your job. If you’re unsure, our Cleveland workers’ comp lawyers can help you understand your options during a free consultation.
Cleveland, TN, Workers’ Comp FAQs
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for a workplace injury if they carry workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp is designed to be the exclusive remedy for injured employees, offering benefits without needing to prove fault. However, there are exceptions:
- No insurance coverage: If your employer doesn’t carry required workers’ comp insurance, you may be able to file a lawsuit.
- Intentional harm: If your employer purposely caused your injury, you could have grounds for a separate legal claim.
- Third-party involvement: If a defective product, subcontractor, or other third party contributed to your injury, you may be able to sue that party for additional compensation.
No. It’s illegal for an employer in Tennessee to fire or retaliate against you simply for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you believe you were terminated, demoted, or treated unfairly after reporting your injury, contact us immediately to discuss your legal options.
You must report your injury to your employer within 15 calendar days of the accident or when you first become aware of a work-related illness. However, the sooner you report it, the stronger your case. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to benefits. Filing a workers’ comp claim is different from a personal injury lawsuit, and our team can help you understand which path applies to your situation.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. Our Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyers can step in, gather evidence, and represent you in hearings or negotiations to fight for the benefits you may be owed.
Workers’ compensation does not include pain and suffering damages. It only covers specific benefits like medical care and lost wages. However, if a third party (not your employer) caused your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim that includes compensation for pain and suffering.
Some straightforward claims resolve in just a few months, while more complex cases involving appeals or permanent injuries can take a year or more. Having an experienced lawyer on your side can keep your claim moving and help ensure the settlement reflects the true cost of your injury.
Some of the most high-risk jobs in Cleveland and across Tennessee include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Warehouse work
- Trucking and transportation
- Healthcare and nursing
- Agriculture
But accidents can happen in any job. Whether you work in an office or on a factory floor, we’re here to help if you’re injured at work.
Our Results Speak For Themselves!
The McMahan Law Firm Helps Protect Injured Workers’ Rights
When you’re hurt on the job, it can feel like no one’s on your side, but that’s where we come in. At The McMahan Law Firm, we’ve built our reputation on standing up for injured workers across Cleveland and throughout Tennessee.
We understand how confusing the workers’ comp system can be. Insurance companies might delay, deny, or undervalue your claim, but we know how to fight back. From helping you file your initial paperwork to appealing a denied claim or negotiating a fair settlement, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out today for a free case review and get answers to your questions. There’s no cost unless we win for you.