What Types of Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Annually, around three workers’ compensation claims are filed for every 100 full-time employees in the United States. If you’ve become injured or ill due to the demands of your job, an accident in the workplace, or the conditions of a job site, you’re covered by workers’ compensation. As long as there’s a formal record of the incident, there’s a good chance you can receive financial support for your recovery and rehabilitation.

At Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (AOSM), with locations in Union City and Dyserburg, Tennessee, Dr. Michael Calfee, Paxton Sisson PA-C, and the rest of our skilled team provide diagnostics and treatment for workers’ compensation-related injuries of many different types. 

Covered injuries under workers’ comp in Tennessee

Workers’ compensation doesn’t work like a lawsuit; payments don’t depend on determining fault. This means that it doesn’t matter whether the incident was the fault of you or your employer, just that you sustained harm while working. 

Important exceptions to this include incidents where you were deliberately trying to hurt yourself or another person. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the job also disqualifies you from workers’ compensation. 

Workers’ compensation claims, payments, and disputes are handled by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. If there’s a disagreement, mediation is the typical path forward to resolution.

Technicalities aside, workers’ compensation covers a broad range of injuries, which varies claim by claim. At Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, most of our cases involve acute injuries, including: 

• Carpal (and cubital) tunnel syndrome
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee injuries
• Fractures 
• Trigger finger 
• Sprains
• Strains

Receiving compensation 

If you sustain an injury at work, make sure there's a formal record of the incident, then reach out to an authorized workers’ compensation doctor. AOSM provides same-day appointments for acute injuries, so you can begin your claim right away. 

First, our team assesses your condition using X-rays and other diagnostics. Once we’ve determined the specifics and severity of your injury, your treating physician will decide how to proceed. You might need a bone re-set, a cast, a sling, or even surgery. 

Following your initial treatment, you might require additional therapy to fully recover. The goal is to rehabilitate your body in a way that restores function, relieves pain, and prevents re-injury. Getting you back to work is important, but your quality of life is our primary concern. 

Have you recently suffered a workplace injury? To get in touch, call the AOSM location closest to you, or book an appointment online.