How to Check the Status of a Workers’ Comp Claim in Tennessee

Imagine you were hurt at work and did everything you were supposed to do. You filed a claim, sought medical care, and told your boss. Then, after all those steps, you are left waiting for the claim to process and the much-needed financial support to come through. In truth, a variety of factors contribute to the length of time it takes to hear about your claim. The wait is stressful, and while most people wish the process would be quick and easy, this is not always the case.

If you are struggling to get the workers’ compensation you rightfully deserve or just need help navigating this process, call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm. With office locations in Nashville, East Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro, Tennessee, we are ready to help you right away.

How to check the status of your Tennessee workers’ comp claim now

If you want the fastest way to try to get answers, you would think the first step might be to call the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation in Tennessee. You can connect with that office by calling 800-332-2667. However, while this might help in some cases, even going through the official bureau will often lead to a roadblock or time wasted on the phone. Instead, the state recommends taking several other steps first.

Wait for the adjuster to call you

Most of the time, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance adjuster should reach out to you within one or two days (in most cases, you will hear from them within 48 hours). On that initial call, they will gather all of your information about the claim. You can also use this opportunity to ask them any questions you might have.

After that initial contact, you can expect to hear back about an acceptance or a denial of your workers’ compensation claim in around 14 days. This long delay is not what most people want to hear. Fortunately, it is possible you will hear back sooner. However, the department gives itself two weeks to take action, so it is good to plan on waiting for the full 14 days.

Check with your supervisor

Another route to take is to call your employer or supervisor to find out if they have an update. Often, the insurance adjuster will need to verify information with the employer about what occurred and what information they have to support or refute the claim. As long as you are on good terms with your employer, this is one way you can get answers sooner. Your employer could have the most up-to-date information.

If your supervisor does not know anything, try contacting human resources within your company. Whoever manages workers’ compensation claims with the company should have some insight within that two-week period.

Then call the Bureau

After all of those steps, if you still do not have the information you need or you have questions, you can certainly contact the Bureau for help. Calling them is one of the best routes to take when it has been more than two weeks and you have not heard anything. With that said, you might want to plan for additional delays if you are filing a claim around the holidays.

Still struggling to get an update on your workers’ compensation claim?

It is not always easy to get the answers you need. Delays are especially common when it comes to seeking answers from government offices. If you are getting frustrated or not getting the answers you need, it is time to call a workers’ compensation attorney for help.

If you have serious injuries from a work-related accident, it is best to contact us before even filing your full claim. Reaching out at the beginning allows us to help gather information and put it together with your submission. Having professional support limits the risk of facing a wrongful denial of benefits.

How can a workers’ compensation attorney help you?

Even if you believe your claim for workers’ compensation is airtight, navigating the system on your own can sometimes be difficult. Insurers may try to deny or minimize your benefits. In those cases, hiring an attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Some ways a lawyer can improve your chances of recovering full benefits include:

• Ensuring you are filing a claim that includes all of your losses: If you do not provide all of your losses, you will not receive all of the benefits that you deserve. Your lawyer can look at your claim, determine its likely value, and fight to avoid having the insurer short-change you.
• Properly filing all your documents: From medical records to documentation about your missed time at work, we will work with you to gather and properly submit all of the important information about your claim. Careful and complete filing will improve your chances of approval and full benefits.
• Handling communications on your behalf: When you are waiting for a determination or seeking information and getting nowhere, your lawyer can serve as your advocate. With a dedicated attorney there to represent you, you do not have to fight with the insurer to get the support you deserve.

There are many reasons that a workers’ compensation claim might be taking longer than you anticipated. If you are having trouble getting answers, you might benefit from having an attorney who can get the right people on the line.

What should you do if you are denied workers’ compensation benefits?

If you received a denial of benefits, you may still have options available. We encourage you to speak to our workers’ compensation attorneys about the reasons behind your denial. You might have an opportunity to appeal this decision.

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm provides comprehensive support and guidance to clients facing all types of workers’ compensation claims. If you were hurt on the job and you are struggling to recover the compensation you need, contact us now for immediate help. Trust in our workers’ compensation attorney in Nashville to provide you with guidance and support.

Call our office or submit our contact form to set up a free consultation to discuss your case. We have offices in Nashville, East Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro to meet your needs.