Personal Injury

Knoxville Workplace Accident Attorney

Workplace Injuries

Injured on the job? We help workers explore the best legal path for recovery.

We help injured workers pursue workers’ comp or personal injury claims after a job-related accident.

Injured at Work in Tennessee? Here's What You Need to Know About Workplace Accidents

A workplace injury can disrupt your life. You may be facing medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. Workers' compensation may offer some help, but it might not be enough. Understanding your rights is the first step toward getting the support you need.

At Burks & Ogle, we help injured workers explore every option. Whether you qualify for workers' compensation or need to pursue a personal injury claim, we are here to guide you.

Call (865) 522-4964 or contact us online now to schedule your Free Consultation.

What Is a Workplace Accident?

Workplace accidents are unexpected incidents that cause injury or illness while you are doing your job. In Tennessee, most are covered by state-mandated workers' compensation insurance. But not every situation qualifies.

Common situations not covered by workers' compensation:

  • Traveling to and from work
  • Being on a break off-site
  • Attending an offsite event (depends on circumstances)
  • Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Horseplay or roughhousing
  • Social events related to work

Every case is different. If you have been injured at work, talk to a Knoxville workplace injury attorney to understand your rights.

Common Workplace Accidents in Knoxville

  • Falls, trips, or slips
  • Vehicle-related accidents
  • Machinery accidents
  • Falling objects
  • Explosions or fire
  • Electrical shocks or electrocution
  • Exposure to hazardous materials
  • Overexertion
  • Repetitive stress injuries

These accidents can cause anything from minor injuries to long-term disabilities.

Common Workplace Injuries

  • Sprains
  • Broken bones or fractures
  • Head, neck, and back injuries
  • Crushed limbs
  • Burns
  • Cuts
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

High-Risk Occupations for Workplace Injuries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, these jobs often have high injury rates:

  • Nursing assistants
  • Truck drivers (heavy and light)
  • Laborers and material movers
  • Construction laborers
  • Maintenance and repair workers
  • Stockers and order fillers
  • Janitors and cleaners
  • Registered nurses
  • Retail salespersons

Workers' Compensation vs. Personal Injury Lawsuit

Workers' Compensation:

  • No need to prove fault
  • Covers medical bills, lost income, disability benefits, and vocational rehab
  • Does not cover pain and suffering

Personal Injury Lawsuit:

  • Must prove negligence
  • Can recover full compensation, including pain and suffering
  • May also include punitive damages

You generally cannot sue your employer if they provide workers' compensation, but there are exceptions.

When to File a Workers' Compensation Claim

  • Your employer has workers' comp insurance
  • The injury happened during work activities

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

  • Your employer intentionally caused your injury
  • Your employer failed to carry required workers' comp insurance

When You Can File Both

  • A third party (not your employer) caused the injury, such as a contractor

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Workers' Compensation:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Temporary or permanent disability
  • Vocational rehabilitation

Personal Injury Lawsuit:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Punitive damages (in some cases)

What to Do After a Workplace Injury

  1. Report the Injury: Tell your supervisor immediately, in writing if possible.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Even minor injuries should be documented.
  3. Follow Doctor's Orders: Not following medical advice can hurt your claim.
  4. Document Everything: Keep witness names, photos, and any relevant details.
  5. Talk to an Attorney: Know your rights and options before making decisions.

Contact a Workplace Injury Attorney in Knoxville Today

Choosing the right legal path after a workplace injury is critical. Let Burks & Ogle help you explore your options and fight for the best outcome.

Call (865) 522-4964 or contact us online today to schedule your Free Consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to typical auto accident questions. For specific advice on your Tennessee situation, contact Burks & Ogle at 865-522-4964 or online.

What Types of Auto Accidents Are There in Tennessee?

The types of auto accidents are the same pretty much anywhere, and they include single car accidents or collisions between other vehicles, people, property, or animals.

  • Single auto accident
  • Multi-car accident
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Hit and run accidents
  • Rideshare accidents
  • Public transit accidents
  • Wildlife-vehicle collisions
  • Car accidents involving pets
  • Car accidents involving children

How Do I Get Compensation for an Auto Accident in Tennessee?

One of the main things that accident victims have to worry about is being fairly compensated for their injuries. There are two main ways that this will generally happen, and each has its own pros and cons.

Settlement

In an auto accident, resolving a case in a settlement means accepting the amount of money that an insurance company offers. One of the main benefits of handling a case this way is that it will typically end a case much quicker than going through the court system. In addition, a client and their attorney have a good deal of power during this process–they can negotiate until they get the amount they want and reject any settlement that isn't acceptable.

Going to Court

If a victim doesn't receive a fair settlement offer, they may need to file a lawsuit to get their compensation. Lawsuits may result in a higher payout, but they typically take much longer, and there is no guarantee that a court will side with you.

After a Car Collision in Tennessee, Who Do I Sue?

There are many parties who might be liable for your injuries, and ultimately it will depend on the facts of your specific case. An experienced lawyer will be able to help determine who the best person or people are to seek compensation from.

If the other driver was driving under the influence or failing to obey the rules of the road, they could potentially be held liable. Additionally, a car manufacturer could be held liable if their car malfunctioned, and in some cases, a government entity could even be held liable if the conditions on the road are what causes a crash.

After a Car Collision in Tennessee, Who Do I Sue?

There are many parties who might be liable for your injuries, and ultimately it will depend on the facts of your specific case. An experienced lawyer will be able to help determine who the best person or people are to seek compensation from.

If the other driver was driving under the influence or failing to obey the rules of the road, they could potentially be held liable. Additionally, a car manufacturer could be held liable if their car malfunctioned, and in some cases, a government entity could even be held liable if the conditions on the road are what causes a crash.

Should I Release Medical Records to Another Driver's Insurance Adjuster?

Generally, it is important to remember that the other insurance adjuster involved in the case wants to pay you as little as possible. While they may ultimately need to see your records, they only need to see specific records pertaining to your accident. If records are not necessary, but the insurance company receives them, they could use any health information against you. An attorney can help edit this request to ensure that only records needed are released.

Further, it is always important to have an attorney with you when you speak to your own insurance company. You want to give only the facts. Your own insurer has its own company as its priority, too, and so it also wants to prevent a payout. This is especially true when you need to file a first-party claim with your own insurance.

If I Don't Feel Hurt after an Auto Accident, Do I Have to See a Doctor?

Certain injuries might not present symptoms immediately after an accident, and getting to a medical professional can catch those injuries. In addition, an opposing attorney or insurance adjuster might try to argue that a delay in seeking medical treatment means that a victim's injuries were not actually from the accident. Going to the doctor after an accident can cut against these kinds of arguments.

What Should I Do after an Auto Accident in Tennessee?

First and foremost, you should contact emergency services and seek medical attention. But you also want to:

  1. Exchange information with the other parties to the accident, which includes names, insurance, driver's license, phone numbers.
  2. Gather evidence, like pictures and video of the scene, the surrounding location, the vehicles, property damage, injuries (if any).
  3. Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses as well as a brief recorded statement, if you are able to do so because their recollection will be best on the scene and preservation of it will be best if recorded either in writing or by video.
  4. Consult with an attorney so that you can obtain a good understanding of whether you have a compensable case and how to go about pursuing what you are legally owed.

What Should I Not Do After an Auto Accident in Tennessee?

In juxtaposition to what you should do if in a car collision, here is what you should not do.

  1. You should never leave the scene of an accident. If you leave a scene, especially when someone is injured, it is a hit and run, a criminal offense. You must stay with your vehicle and contact emergency personnel if someone is injured.
  2. You should not leave your vehicle where it can pose a risk to others. If you can, move the vehicle to a safe location. If you cannot move it on your own, contact someone who can.
  3. You should not ignore calling 911. Even when no one is injured, you should still contact 911. The police will investigate and write a report that can later be used to help identify liability.
  4. Do not forget to exchange information. Try not to let fear or anxiety get the best of you. You really need to obtain contact and insurance information from the other party involved in the collision. Insurance will be critical to recovery of compensation.
  5. Do not underestimate your injuries. Some injuries are delayed (like whiplash) while other injuries may not seem serious (like bruising as there may be internal bleeding). You should get checked out by a doctor.
  6. Do not admit fault. Even if you think or know you are at fault, do not admit it. The other party may have contributed in some way, too. In comparative negligence states, you can still recover in most situations if both parties contributed to the accident.
  7. Do not contact or give a statement or documents to the other party's insurance company. You must speak to your own insurance company, but you are not obligated to do the same with any other insurance company. To do so could jeopardize your case. Either your attorney or your own insurance company can communicate with the other party's auto insurer.

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