Tennessee Worker’s Compensation Attorneys
If you have been seriously injured on the job, you are probably entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. Back strains, neck injuries and carpal tunnel are all common in the work place and can cause a loss of income and peace of mind. Worker’s comp is designed to reduce the amount of money you lose due to an on-the-job injury. If you or a loved one has suffered injury or death from a work related injury, contact the lawyers of Hill Boren.
At Hill Boren, we have over 30 years of experience and have represented countless worker’s compensation clients. Our Tennessee worker’s compensation attorneys are skilled at representing injured workers. Here are some examples of recent cases and settlements.
Voluntary Layoffs, Buyouts, Severance Packages, Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing? By: Jeff Boyd
As many of West Tennessee’s factories and employers fall on hard times due to the failing economy, they come to their workforce with what appears to be a “golden parachute” of options to ease the blow of being let go. Options range from voluntary layoffs, which allow employees to obtain unemployment benefits “until the company gets back on its feet” to voluntary buyouts, which are used to reduce the workforce with lump sum cash payments and finally voluntary severance packages, which are in the same vein as buyouts and are directed at a particular segment of the workforce and may include salary continuation along with benefits.
Generally, these efforts by the employers are couched in terms of “we must do this or the plant will shut down.” Thus, workers are faced with a devil’s bargain...take the money offered now and be the first out on the street looking for the few jobs that may be out there, or take your chances that the company makes it and you have a job six months or a year from now. On the front end, taking the money and running sounds like the way to go. However, an employee may be making a HUGE financial mistake by taking this approach.
Accepting these deals could spell disaster for employees that have a prior workers’ compensation settlement, or a pending workers’ compensation claim. If you have settled your workers’ compensation case in the last seven or eight years, and returned to work for the same employer, most likely you have settled for a sum under the “cap.” If you have settled your case under the “cap” and lose your job through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to reopen your case and get more workers’ compensation benefits for your injury. THIS MAY NOT BE THE CASE if you take a voluntary layoff, buyout or severance package. In many cases, the money that may be made available by reopening the case can be substantially more than the employee could hope to receive in either of the three “plant saving” measures. In addition, money obtained through a workers’ compensation settlement is TAX FREE.
BOTTOM LINE:
Do not accept any offer of a voluntary layoff,
buyout or severance package without first
consulting with a Hill-Boren, PC attorney if
you have had a prior or pending workers’
compensation settlement or if you feel that you
will likely have a workers’ compensation claim in
the immediate future.
Actual Worker's Compensation Settlements
Repetitive Use in Factory Causes Tipton County Women Injuries to Both Arms
Chris Taylor represented a Tipton County woman developed injuries to both of her arms. She was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel, bilateral cubital tunnel, and bilateral impingement syndrome. She had surgery on both arms, ultimately returning to work. Prior to trial, the case settled for $92,082.40 and is entitled to receive lifetime medicals.
Shoulder Injury from Fall Results in $400,000 Judgment
A Hill Boren client injured his shoulder when he fell down some steps at work. His employer denied benefits. At trial, the court found that the employee was entitled to benefits and that the employee was permanently and totally disabled. The judgment was in excess of $400,000.00. The case later settled on appeal. The case was handled by Chris Taylor.
Client Injured in Work-Related Auto Accident
Shannon Toon represented a 49 year old gentleman that was rear ended while driving a company truck during work. As a result of the accident, the employee was diagnosed with a ruptured disc in his neck. After surgery, he returned to work with no restrictions and continues to work performing his regular duties as an exterminator. Mr. Toon resolved the employee's worker's compensation claim for $50,000.00 and lifetime future medical treatment for his neck injury.
The lawyers at Hill Boren have extensive experience in helping you and your family deal with the pain and suffering of a work-related injury. If you are hurt at work, contact the lawyers of Hill Boren by completing the free evaluation form or give us a call at 1.800.727.0622.