Nashville Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Representing Injured Professionals
Strong advocacy for white-collar workers hurt in Tennessee
When it comes to work, on-the-job injuries are not limited to just employees who perform physical labor such as construction work, manufacturing, or service work. White-collar workers can slip on wet tile, contract occupational diseases, or take a bad fall while on company property. Office jobs come with their own hazards like soft tissue injuries, travel accidents, or even psychological trauma. No matter what your occupation, if you’ve sustained an injury while performing work duties, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and related expenses.
Our premier Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers fight for all kinds of injured workers. We demand that employers and insurance carriers do their duty and pay the medical and wage benefits required to get you healthy again. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we fight efforts by insurance companies who demand you return to work before you’re ready. We guide you through independent medical exams. Our lawyers negotiate lump-sum settlements if you’re permanently disabled. Contact us today.
"When I was a teenager, Dad got hurt. Insurance company wouldn't pay. We lost our house. But, Dad got a lawyer and we got justice. That's the moment I decided to become an attorney. As a lawyer, I have dedicated my life to helping injury victims."
~ Rocky
What are common Nashville white-collar and office worker injuries?
An office environment poses a different set of risks than other types of employment. Many office professionals work in a seated position all day, talking on the phone, typing on the computer, and commuting. These activities can cause ergonomic injuries like back and neck injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome. Other accidents could include trips, slips, and falls or the development of an occupational illness. Injuries from work can happen suddenly as the result of an accident or develop over a long period and become chronic.
We often represent clients suffering injuries in office and professional accidents, including:
- Auto accidents. Often, office workers are requested to make short trips to run errands during working hours. Others might be required to travel to and from worksites to check in on and manage projects. If you’re hurt in an auto accident while on the job, you could be eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
- Slip and fall accidents. Anywhere there’s the chance for rain, ice, or snow, there’s a chance for a slip and fall. Additionally, office clutter like boxes or extension cords can cause trip and fall hazards resulting in broken bones or back injuries.
- Repetitive stress injuries. When you spend the majority of your time entering data into a computer, answering phones, or performing any type of repetitive motion, you could be at risk for developing a condition like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Occupational diseases. Even if you work in the nicest, most cutting-edge workplace, you can still be exposed to toxic air or substances without your knowledge. Allergens or other environmental hazards can cause employees to develop conditions like asthma, respiratory problems, or, in buildings with asbestos, mesothelioma or other cancers. Improperly ventilated buildings or improperly maintained HVAC systems can also cause employees to become sick.
- Lifting injuries. Office duties can include things like lifting boxes of paper or moving computer equipment, filing cabinets, or even copy machines and furniture. When done without the proper tools or technique, employees can experience back injuries.
Another important thing to keep in mind regarding workers’ compensation is that after an injury, especially a severe or catastrophic injury, you may also find yourself suffering from anxiety or depression. This is completely normal after physical trauma. Rocky McElhaney sits down with you and explains your right to compensation for pain and suffering.
Special issues in Nashville white-collar workers’ compensation cases
There are a few additional areas that are somewhat unique to professional white-collar workers:
- Telecommuting. With high-speed internet, videoconferences, and the need to work across time zones, many professional workers telecommute. Employees who work from a home office on a regular basis may be entitled to workers’ compensation if they suffer an injury while working. A major issue in telecommuting cases is whether the employee was working during normal business hours when the injury occurred. Many companies will attempt to fight these types of cases. Skilled workers’ compensation lawyers can explain your rights if you fall or are otherwise injured while working at home.
- Professionals often travel to see their clients. Generally, workers who are injured while commuting to and from a regular office cannot claim workers’ compensation benefits. However, professionals who are traveling to see a client and are injured in a car accident or a slip and fall accident, can generally claim work injury benefits.
- Employment status. In all workers’ comp cases, a major criterion is that the injured worker must be an employee of the company. Contractors, freelancers, and consultants, for example, normally can’t claim workers’ compensation.
- Caps on payments. There are limits to the amount of workers’ compensation a worker can receive. For example, in Tennessee, temporary disability benefits are capped at $1,233.10 weekly (110% of the state’s average weekly wage) as of this time. That means that if you earn more, the extra amount is not factored into your workers’ compensation award.
According to the Tennessean, Davidson County workers in the financial activities sector make more than $82,269 yearly ($1,582 per week). Workers in information technology average a salary of $79,603 ($1,530 per week), and workers in professional and business services earned $65,494 ($1,259.5 per week). This means, on average, many white-collar employees in Nashville earned more than these salaries. Talk to Rocky about what this means for you. We also answer questions about whether you need to pay taxes on your wage loss benefits.
For some professionals it may be hard to determine their average weekly wages. Many professionals earn varying salaries through commissions, bonuses, or a percentage of the money they generate for their company.
Workers’ compensation issues can be complicated for professional white-collar workers. We can cut through the red tape and get straight to the point – securing you the medical and wage benefits you deserve.
Do you have a workers’ compensation attorney near me?
Rocky McElhaney Law Firm has two offices in Nashville: one at 545 Mainstream Dr. (Suite 105) and one at 615 Main Street, B21. We also have state-of-the-art offices in Hendersonville and Clarksville. If you are too injured to come to us, we will make home and hospital visits, or schedule a phone or video consultation.
Talk with our Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers today
White-collar professionals who are injured at work may be entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we can explain the process to you and fight for your rights. Please call our Nashville workers’ compensation lawyers at 615.425.2500 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment in Nashville, Hendersonville, or Clarksville.