Friday, May 27, 2011

Do I Need An Attorney To Handle My Claim?

You are not required to have an attorney represent you in your Tennessee workers' compensation claim.  However, unless you are familiar with the Tennessee workers' compensation laws you may not be aware of many of the monetary and medical benefits you are entitled to under the law.

At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates /The Work Comp Team (615) 234-6000 we will be happy to speak with you about your case so you can make an informed decision regarding hiring an attorney.  You can call our office 24/7. 

Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Tennessee Workers' Comp. Reconsideration?

Under Tennessee law, if you have a permanent injury and are returned to work at the same pay rate, you are limited in the amount of money you can recover.  The term "capped" is often used to describe this situation.  This gives your employer an incentive to rehire you.

Sometimes, the employer will try and skate around the rule by firing the injured worker shortly after they return to work.  Thus, the employer received the benefit of the cap but did not truly give the employee their benefit - the job.

What can be done about this injustice?  Reconsideration.

Under Reconsideration, the injured employee is allowed to re-open their case and it is treated as if they were never returned to work.  This potentially means more money.  If the employee is terminated, without fault, within either 200 weeks or 400 weeks (this depends on the type of injury) of being returned to work initially, they may be entitled to Reconsideration.

If you fit this category, please contact our office at Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp Team (615) 234-6000.  You can also e-mail us at cody@codyallison.com.  We will be happy to speak with you and find out if you are eligible for Resconsideration.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

How Is Your Weekly Benefit Rate (Comp. Rate) Calculated?


Your weekly benefit rate (comp. rate) is a percentage of your average, weekly gross pay over the course of a 52-week period.  In order to determine your comp. rate, employers will submit a Form C-41 to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Workers’ Compensation.  

On this form, your employer lists your weekly gross wages for the past 52 weeks.  Then, an average weekly wage is established from the weeks listed.  Finally, you take 66 and 2/3 percent of the average weekly wage and you have found the comp. rate.  There are also maximum and minimum rates that apply when a comp. rate is extremely high or extremely low.  If you have questions about your weekly benefit rate, or any other portion of your workers’ compensation claim, please contact Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team at (615) 234-6000.

Below is a copy of the C-41 Wage Statement from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

 FORM C-41
TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Division of Workers' Compensation
220 French Landing Dr.
Nashville, Tennessee 37243-1002
WAGE STATEMENT
It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to any party to a workers' compensation transaction for the purpose of committing fraud. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.

State File #
Employee: SSN:
Insurer Claim #:
Date of Injury

In order to determine the correct rate of compensation to be paid to the above injured party, please fill in the schedule below and return it promptly. This information is required by law and no agreement for payment of compensation can be made until it has been received. Please complete 52 weeks prior to date of accident.
Please describe allowances of any character made in lieu of wages that must be deemed a part of employee's earnings:




Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

What is a Request for Assistance Through The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development?

A Request for Assistance is a formal way to ask the Tennessee Department of Labor to intervene in your claim to resolve a conflict between you and your employer/work comp. insurance company. 

As an example, if an injured employee’s medical treatment is being denied, or they are not receiving their temporary disability payments the employee can file a Request for Assistance.  This is an efficient way to address a conflict under Tennessee workers’ compensation law, through the Tennessee Department of Labor, prior to taking action in court.  If you are have questions concerning your Tennessee work comp. claim, feel free to contact our office at Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team (615) 234-6000.

Below is a copy of the Request for Assistance form from the Tennessee Department of Labor.  You can access the form through the Tennessee Department of Labor’s website.  If you have any questions about the form you should contact the Tennessee Department of Labor and/or a Tennessee attorney who handles workers’ compensation claims. 



________________________________________________________________________
FORM C40A LB-0381 (REV. 04/09) Pg 1 of 2 RDA 10183

 TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Division of WorkersCompensation
                                                            2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Nashville, Tennessee 37228
                                                        Toll Free: 1-800-332-2667
FAX: 615-253-1223 or 615-253-2479
   REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
Failure To Complete All Items On This Form Will Cause Delay In Processing And May Result In The Form Being Returned To The Requesting Party. For assistance in completing this form call 1-800-332-2667.
It is a crime to knowingly provide false, incomplete or misleading information to any party to a workers’ compensation transaction for the purpose of committing fraud. Penalties include imprisonment, fines and denial of insurance benefits.
A)    DATE OF INJURY:

B) ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED FOR: (Check all that apply)
Temporary Disability Benefits: Medical Care Benefits:
Penalty for late payment or non-payment of benefits: Discovery:

C)INJURED EMPLOYEES NAME:
SSN: Date of Birth:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
County: Phone:
Email Address:
Is Employee Represented By An Attorney?
Attorneys Name:
Mailing Address:
Telephone: Fax:
Email Address:


D) EMPLOYERS NAME:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
County: Telephone:
Email Address:
Is Employer Represented By An Attorney?
Attorneys Name:
Mailing Address:
Telephone: Fax:
Email Address:
Do Five Or More Employees Work For Employer?
E) WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INSURANCE COMPANY:
Company Name:
Street Address:
City: State: Zip:
Adjuster’s Name:
Telephone: Fax:
Email Address:
F) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INJURY:
Nature of Injury (carpal tunnel, broken arm, etc.)
How injury occurred (fell, lifting, driving, etc.)
_____________________________________________________________________
When did Employee report injury to employer?
To Whom? Person’s Title:
How long has Employee worked for employer?
County of Injury:
G) MEDICAL TREATMENT:
Was Employee given a choice of three (3) or more treating doctors?
If a panel was provided, which doctor was selected?
(Please attach all relevant records resulting from medical treatment for this injury.
Failure to do so may result in resolution of your request being delayed.)
                DESCRIBE COMPLAINT OR REASON FOR REQUEST:
________________________________________________________________________

For faster service, you may send your completed form directly to the local office that will handle your request. You can find a map of the offices along with addresses and phone numbers by checking our website at http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/wc_map.pdf
I hereby request the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to assist in any disputed workerscompensation issues related to the above-detailed injury. I also authorize the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to contact any person who has information regarding that injury. If the undersigned is the Injured Employee or the Injured Employee’s legal representative, authorization is also given to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to use the Injured Employee’s social security number in any manner necessary to provide the requested assistance.
DATE:
SIGNATURE OF REQUESTING PARTY
PRINTED NAME OF REQUESTING PARTY
REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE form must be signed by Requesting party or authorized representative

RFA NUMBER
STATE FILE NUMBER FORM C40A LB-0381 (REV. 04/09) Pg 2 of 2 RDA 10183

Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Nashville Work Comp Attorney – My Best Advice

I have been asked several times over the years what’s my best advice for getting the most out of a Tennessee workers’ compensation claim.  While there are many important parts involved in handling a work comp. claim, and every claim is different, at the top of my list would be – don’t delay. 
If an employee has been injured on the job, they should immediately report the injury.  Under Tennessee law, you have thirty (30) days to report the injury.  The names and contact information of any witnesses should be obtained right away.  If medical treatment or temporary disability payments are not being made, these issues should immediately be discussed with the workers’ compensation insurance company or the Tennessee Department of Labor, Workers’ Compensation Division.
Over the years, I have seen delays cost injured workers money.  If you have been hurt at work and want a free case evaluation with an attorney, we would like to speak with you as soon as possible.  You can reach Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team at (615) 234-6000.  You can also e-mail us at cody@codyallison.com.

   Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

What Happens First In a Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Claim

What should you typically expect at the very beginning of your Tennessee workers’ compensation case? You should report your injury to your employer/supervisor as soon as possible.  You have thirty (30) days to report your injury.  Your employer should then notify their workers’ compensation insurance company, unless they are self-insured.  When the work comp. insurance company receives notice of your injury, they have two (2) working days to make contact with the injured worker or their employer.
Next, they must make a determination if they are going to accept or deny the claim of the injured worker.  They have fifteen (15) days to make this decision once they know of the injury.  If your claim is accepted, you should be provided a panel of physicians to choose from.  You may also be due compensation as you go through your medical treatment.
If you have been hurt at work call Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp Team (615) 234-6000 and put our team on your side. 

Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Is My Work Injury Case Covered Under Tennessee Law?

I recently accepted representation in a work comp. case where my client lives in Arizona.  She is a long-haul, tractor-trailer driver.  She drives for a trucking company headquartered in Tennessee but runs a route from Arizona to Pennsylvania.  Her employer's policy covers claims under Tennessee law.  We immediately got her set up for medical treatment near her home. 

While this case was clear, many cases involve legal analysis to determine which state has jurisdiction.  Jobs which require extensive travel (such as over the road truck drivers, sales persons and construction workers) see this issue the most.  When making a decision about which laws to apply important factors include:  1) where the employer resides, 2) where the injured employee lives or resides, 3) where the employee was hired and 4) where the injury occurred.

If you believe you may have a Tennessee work comp claim but need more information, please give our office at Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp Team a call at
(615) 234-6000.  We can generally tell you which state laws are applicable when you answer a few questions.

Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation



What is a Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Nurse Case Manager?

If you have undergone medical treatment for your Tennessee work comp injury chances are you have met a person called a nurse case manager. 
This person is normally hired by the workers' compensation insurance company to monitor your medical treatment and to report back to the adjuster regarding your medical treatment /progress.
Is the nurse case manager on your side?  This question could be answered a number of different ways.  They are generally hired by the insurance company, so many patients feel as though they are looking for ways to save the insurance company money.
Can the nurse case manager go into your medical appointment?  Only with your consent.  They can speak with the medical provider after your appointment to find out how you are progressing and report back to the insurance company.
If you have questions about your nurse case manager, medical treatment or other matters related to your Tennessee workers’ comp. claim, please feel free to call our office for help.  Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp Team (615) 234-6000.



Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

The Work Comp Team Only Gets Paid If We Recover for the Injured TN Worker

Many people have asked me how an attorney gets paid in a Tennessee work comp. case.  At Cody Allison & Associates we receive a “contingency fee” if we recover monetary benefits for our clients.  Tennessee law sets an attorney’s contingency fee in a workers’ compensation case at no more than 20% of the client recovery. 
The contingency fee that an attorney receives is named so because the fee is contingent on the attorney recovering for the client.  At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp Team (615) 234-6000 we only get paid an attorney fee if we recover monetary benefits for the injured employee.   This way the injured employee does not have to worry about paying the attorney and the attorney has to make sure to recover monetary benefits for the client in order to get paid. 
If you think you may have a work comp case we will be happy to speak with you to see if we can help.  Please feel free to call us 24/7 at (615) 234-6000.
If you can’t come to us we will come to visit you.


Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Monday, May 23, 2011

A Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Attorney Who Listens

Over the years, many people have said to me – “thanks for listening”.  At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team (615) 234-6000, we pride ourselves on listening to our clients. 
When you have been hurt at work, the last thing you need is to be ignored.  Whether your issue is money (TTD) to pay the bills, getting your medical treatment started, or reimbursement for out of pocket expenses, we want our clients to know that they can rely on us to listen to their needs and act in a timely manner.
If you think you may need to talk to a Tennessee workers’ compensation lawyer, please consider calling our office in Nashville at (615) 234-6000.  You can also e-mail cody@codyallison.com.   We accept work comp claims throughout Tennessee.  You can call our office 24/7.




Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Temporary Work Restrictions – Tennessee Workers' Compensation

Have you been assigned work restrictions by your workers’ compensation doctor?  What does this mean?
In Tennessee, when a doctor puts you on work restrictions as a part of your work comp claim, your employer is supposed to follow these restrictions.  Although there are many good employers, sometimes employers do not follow the doctor’s restrictions. This puts the injured worker in jeopardy.  Not only could such a situation make the employee’s injury worse, it could also cause the employee to sustain a new injury.
If you have been assigned work restrictions by your workers’ compensation doctor but your employer is not following those restrictions, please call Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team at (615) 234-6000.  We will provide you with a free consultation regarding your work restrictions and your claim as a whole.  Put our experience on your side.



Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Nashville – Work Comp. Construction Accidents

Before I became an attorney, I worked some construction jobs. Growing up in Tennessee, many of my friends worked at restaurants while attending the University of Tennessee - Knoxville.  I chose to work construction jobs.  I enjoyed construction work.  I liked being outdoors, seeing the progress of my work at the end of the day and experiencing that “good tired” feeling from my hard work.
When I first started working construction (as a temporary contract laborer for Brasfield and Gorrie), I quickly realized that the job, by nature, presented many dangerous conditions.  I had some near misses of my own despite the fact that I was extremely careful.  It seemed like the potential existed everyday for someone on the worksite to injure their back, neck, shoulder, leg or head. 
When I started to practice law, I knew I wanted to help injured Tennessee workers. As a work comp attorney in Nashville, I have the unique opportunity to help injured workers all across the State of Tennessee.  I take pride in representing the hardworking people of Tennessee.  If you suffer a work injury, please do not hesitate to contact my office to see if we can help.  You can reach Attorney Cody Allison & Associates at (615) 234-6000.   You can also e-mail cody@codyallison.com.  We represent people from East, Middle and West Tennessee and everyplace in between.  You can call us 24/7.  We will be happy to come to you if you are unable to come to our offices.




Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Tennessee Nurses – Workers’ Compensation Claims

My wife is a nurse.   I have great respect for the profession.  Nurses are the cornerstone of the American healthcare system.  Without nurses, the system could not function effectively. 
The nursing profession requires brains and sometimes, brawn.  Nurses are required to make quick mathematical calculations, breakdown medication charts and recognize a variety of symptoms to avert disaster.  However, nurses are also required to move patients and prevent patients from falling.  This can lead to serious back, neck and shoulder injuries.

If you are a nurse who has been injured at work, make sure you follow your treating doctor's restrictions.  One of my clients, a nurse in Winchester, Tennessee, recently returned to work following a serious shoulder sugery.  She was asked to work beyond the scope of her restrictions.  We fought her employer to stop this situation before her injury became worse.  Many times nurses are asked to "help the team" and work beyond their restrictions, despite the limitations placed on them by their doctor.  This is wrong and you are not required to work beyond your restrictions.
At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team (615) 234-6000, we represent nurses due to a variety of on-the job injuries.  We are located in Nashville, Tennessee; however, we often travel around the State of Tennessee to meet with clients.  We will be happy to come to you if you need to consult with an attorney regarding your workers’ compensation claim.
If you are a Tennessee nurse who has been hurt at work, please call our office today for a free consultation. 

Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Tennessee Department of Labor – Employer’s First Report of Injury


Did you know that a report of all known work injuries or illnesses in Tennessee must be submitted to the employer’s insurance carriers within one (1) working day from the time the injury becomes known?  The form on which this information is submitted to the Tennessee Department of Labor, Division of Workers’ Compensation is called a Form C-20. 

What injuries must be reported?  Injuries which cause an employee to seek medical treatment in a place that is outside the employer’s premises, an employee’s death, permanent impairment or absence from work.
  
If you have been injured at work, such that your employer has had to file a First Report of Injury form, our office will be happy to speak with you to see if we can assist you in handling your Tennessee work comp claim.  You can call Attorney Cody Allison at (615) 234-6000, or e-mail cody@codyallison.com.  Please feel free to call 24/7.  We are located in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.  We will be happy to come to you if necessary.


Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Friday, May 20, 2011

If You Get Hurt At Work in Tennessee - Report Your Injury


If you suffer an on the job injury in Tennessee, you should report your injury verbally and in writing to your supervisor.  By law, you have thirty (30) days to report an acute injury but you should do this as soon as possible.   
As a workers’ compensation attorney in Nashville, Tennessee I see many cases that fail because the injured worker did not timely report their work injury.  Many workers simply do not know they are supposed to report the injury and wait in hopes that the injury will get better.  While this may seem like a good thing to do at the time, the laws of Tennessee required to injured employee to report the injury in order to receive direction regarding medical treatment.   
If you have any questions about what move to make in your work comp case, call Attorney Cody Allison at (615) 234-6000.  You can also e-mail Attorney Cody Allison at cody@codyallison.com.
 You should also fill out an incident report with your supervisor to ensure the information documented is accurate.  Make sure to request a copy of the report and retain the names of any witnesses.  Call Attorney Cody Allison and put the work comp team on your side.


Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Bonnaroo


Each year tens of thousands of band enthusiasts and fun seekers from all over the world come to Manchester, Tennessee to take part in the Bonnaroo Music Festival.  The lineup of bands becomes more diverse each year.  The event is also very popular among locals, who visit and work at Bonnaroo.
Unfortunately, like with any large event, car wrecks and truck accidents happen.  At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates, PLLC (615) 234-6000 we have been handling 18-wheeler wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, pedestrian injuries and truck accidents for over a decade in Middle Tennessee, including Manchester, Coffee County, Tennessee.  We also handle work injuries.  

We hope you enjoy a safe time if you attend Bonnaroo, however, if you suffer from an accidental inury or an on-the-job injury, Please feel free to contact us at (615) 234-6000.
The 2011 Bonnaroo band lineup includes:  Eminem Arcade Fire Widespread Panic The Black Keys Buffalo Springfield feat Richie Furay, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Rick Rosas, Joe Vitale My Morning Jacket Lil Wayne String Cheese Incident Robert Plant & Band of Joy Mumford & Sons The Strokes The Decemberists Ray Lamontagne Bassnectar Iron & Wine Girl Talk Primus Dr. John with Original Meters and Allen Toussaint Performing Desitively Bonnaroo Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas Pretty Lights Florence + the Machine SuperJam featuring Dan Auerbach and Dr. John Explosions in the Sky STS9 Gogol Bordello Beirut Big Boi Scissor Sisters Gregg Allman Ratatat Robyn & Many More!


Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Car Accidents Happen - At Work

When most people think of car wreck cases they first think of a person driving to or from work.  However, many car wrecks happen at work.  So if you have a car wreck on the job, do you have a work comp. case or a personal injury case?  The answer –you could have both.
If you are on the job and are hit by another vehicle, you may have a workers’ compensation case and a personal injury case against the person who hit you (third party claim).  At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates, The Work Comp. Team (615) 234-6000, if no conflict exists, we will handle both the workers’ compensation case and the personal injury case.   In most cases, the workers’ compensation insurance company will step up and began paying for medical treatment.  This is because in a work comp. case you do not have to prove negligence, but simply that you were injured in the course and scope of employment. 
Personal injury cases require proof that the person who hit you was negligent.  Even in cases where it is obvious the other person hit you, the defendant’s insurance company will often not admit fault on the front end.  Therefore, they are not going to pay the medical bills for someone whom they have yet to admit they are responsible.
In the scenario above, is the workers compensation insurance company paid back? If you are able to prove fault or achieve a settlement in the personal injury case the work comp guys will be entitled to receive some payment for the bills they had to pay on behalf of the injured worker.  You see, but for the defendant (third party vehicle) hitting you, the work comp. insurance would not have had to pay for medical bills.  Thus, when the third party pays up, the work comp. insurance gets their part back.
If you have been involved in a similar scenario, please call the attorneys at Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team (615) 234-6000, or you can e-mail me at: cody@codyallison.com.  We can help you recover from the responsible party and help put your life back together.  



Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Catastrophic and Serious Injuries

Over the years, I have reviewed and handled many cases involving catastrophic injuries.  These injuries can occur in a variety of different ways, including, serious work injuries, 18-wheeler / tractor-trailer wrecks, motorcycle wrecks, to truck and automobile accidents.  Many serious work injuries (such as back, head, neck and shoulder injuries) occur from tasks which are performed everyday by experienced workers such as, falling off scaffolding, electrocution, lifting heavy objects and working with heavy equipment.   Many accidents often cause loss beyond physical impairments and medical bills, they sometimes cause emotional pain and suffering as well.
My father used to always say, “The only minor surgery is one that happens to somebody else”.  Of course, by this he meant that when someone else is having to undergo medical difficulties, it is human nature downplay the problem because we are not the one having to go through it.  However, at Attorney Cody Allison & Associates we try to put ourselves in your position in order to provide you with the best and most effective legal representation.  
At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates, PLLC / The Work Comp. Team (615) 234-6000, we understand when you tell us your life has been permanently altered by a serious injury.  We listen to our clients and strive to help our clients recover fair compensation for their injuries.
Our office is located in Nashville, Tennessee.  We handle case throughout Tennessee.  We are happy to visit you in your home or in the hospital.  We invite you to call us 24 /7 at (615) 234-6000. 
If you have been injured at work, or by another type of accident, I believe the best thing you can do is to contact a lawyer in order to know your rights.


Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Thursday, May 19, 2011

My Father Taught Me Hard Work

My name is Cody Allison and I am an attorney in Nashville, Tennessee.  I am a Tennessee native and have been practicing law throughout the State of Tennessee for over a decade.  I am honored to serve the people throughout the Volunteer State and hope to continue such work for many years to come.  I am a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.
My father, Jack Allison, was a CPA who graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill.  He was active in the business community of East Tennessee for many years before his retirement in 1998.  He served bravely and proudly in the United States Army, receiving the Army Commendation Medal during his time as a 1st lieutenant.  My mother, Judy Allison, graduated from Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina and went on to earn her Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.  For many years she served as an English teacher and head librarian at CAK in Knoxville. 
My family has had a great impact on my work as a lawyer.  My father taught me from a young age that hard work was the key to success in any area.  I have applied that knowledge in service to my clients over the years.
If you have a Tennessee work comp. claim and need a lawyer, I would appreciate the opportunity to assist you.  You may reach me by calling (615) 234-6000.  At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates, PLLC / The Work Comp. Team it is our goal to provide you with the best in legal representation. 

Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Tennessee Lawyer Tool Belt

I have a friend who is an excellent craftsman.  He can build almost anything with his tool set and always does quality work.  I asked him one day if his business was suffering because of the tough economy in Nashville, Tennessee (and all over) the past several years.  He told me that his business was steady with new calls for work coming in everyday.  I asked him if he thought this was the norm in Middle Tennessee, despite the poor economy.  He paused for a moment and said, “I don’t believe it’s the norm.  I just like to think that even though the number of people hiring private contractors has decreased our work is steady because of the quality we have displayed in our past jobs.  Word of mouth is a powerful thing".
At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates, PLLC / The Work Comp Team TN (615) 234-6000, I view our work the same way.  I believe that because we have consistently provided Tennessee workers with quality legal representation over the years, they will continue tell their friends and neighbors.  Our tool belt is our knowledge of the laws of the State of Tennessee.  We know how to work with our tools to get clients the maximum benefits they are entitled to receive under Tennessee workers' compensation laws.
I’m proud to say that our office has been thriving for over a decade in Middle Tennessee.  I also realize that in order to continue to represent Tennessee workers for the next decade, and beyond, we need to continue to earn their trust daily with our quality of work and attention to detail.  We need to continue to listen to our clients so that we can truly understand their needs.  At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team TN, we take pride in the fact that our clients are not just a file number but real people who are counting on us to guide them through a difficult time.  If we can be of assistance to you or your family or friend, please call our law office today at (615) 234-6000.  We are available 24/7.


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Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

In Tennessee, when can an injured worker receive temporary benefits?

Like most states these days, Tennessee is filled with people who want to work but are unable to find jobs.  Unfortunately, many employers know the ratios are in their favor.  They may be tempted to take advantage of injured workers by discouraging them from filing Tennessee workers’ compensation claims.  However, injured employees need to remember that the Tennessee workers’ compensation laws are in place to protect them and their family.  At Attorney Cody Allison & Associates / The Work Comp. Team we take pride in representing the injured Tennessee worker. We are located in Nashville, Tennessee and handle cases all over the State of Tennessee.  You can reach us by calling (615) 234-6000.  If you are hurt on the job you are entitled to receive different types of benefits.  One of those benefits is called TTD or temporary total disability.  This means that for a temporary time period the injured employee is unable to do any work and is entitled to be paid during that time.   
TTD consists of weekly benefits that are paid if the work comp. doctor, or “authorized treating physician”, finds that the employee is unable to work due to the injury.
Compensation begins on the eighth (8th) day of disability from work following the injury. The date of injury and the first seven (7) days following are a waiting period and no benefits are payable unless the disability lasts at least eight days. Benefits are due for each day over the seven-day waiting period until the lost time reaches fourteen (14) days; then, weekly temporary total disability benefits will be calculated beginning with the day following the injury. Temporary total disability benefits are based on 66 2/3% of the employee's gross average weekly wage for the last 52 weeks worked prior to the injury, subject to the minimum and maximum benefits as provided by the Workers' Compensation Law.
Weekly benefits for the total disability are based on 66 2/3% of the employee's gross average weekly wage for the last 52 weeks worked prior to the injury, subject to the minimum and maximum benefits as provided by the Workers' Compensation Law.
If you have problems with any part of your Tennessee workers’ compensation claim, please call our office for a free consultation.  You can reach Cody Allison &Associates,  PLLC, Attorneys / The Work Comp. Team at (615) 234-6000.  We would be honored if you would give our office an opportunity to talk with you about your case.   You may request to speak with a lawyer during your free case evaluation.

Nashville, Tennessee workers’ compensation / Middle  Tennessee workers’ compensation / Davidson County workers’ compensation