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Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Focused, personal representation for Tennessee families and businesses, with offices in Nashville and Memphis.

Last Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

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If you’ve been injured on the job, you may not have to turn to your health insurance company for medical coverage. Your employer should have a workers’ compensation policy to cover on-the-job incidents. The insurance will pay for your medical care and treatment. It can also pay a portion of your salary for any time you miss at work. If you are considering filing a claim, you need to know the proper process so things go smoothly.

Report Your Injury

Before you do anything about the incident, you should report it to your direct supervisor or to human resources immediately. Even minor injuries should be reported so they’re on record. Waiting too long could result in a denial of your workers’ compensation claim. For example, if you cut your hand on a piece of machinery, it could lead to an infection. However, if you didn’t report the initial injury, you won’t likely be able to file a workers’ compensation claim for the infection.

Work with Your Employer to Get Workers’ Compensation Coverage

Your employer’s human resources representative should help you file a workers’ compensation claim for your injury. This person or team should walk you through each step in the process, including filing the right paperwork.

The Time Frame

It’s in your best interest to file your claim as quickly as possible. Every state has different guidelines on how long you have to make your claim. In some places, the timeline is as short as one year, while in other states you may have three years or longer. If you don’t comply with these regulations, you won’t get the coverage you need.

Exceptions

You may, however, have a special circumstance that allows you to extend your filing. If your injuries were so severe that you were physically unable to go through the filing process, you may be able to have additional time to make your claim. Also, if you were in a coma, you might not have been able to file right away. Workers’ compensation may make an exception for you in this case. Another example would be if you didn’t discover a workplace ailment until later, and the deadline had already expired. This happens when a worker is exposed to a hazardous chemical or substance but symptoms didn’t manifest until years later.

If you are injured at work, speak with your employer and a lawyer as soon as possible. Follow these rules and you should be able to get the financial help you need.

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   Nancy Wallace 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!
  
 
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   Cheryl Adkins 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved the staff at Patterson Bray.  Everyone was very professional.  Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well.  We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.
  
 
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   Hailey Wade 
 27 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.
  
 
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   Deb Clark 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional.  From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs.  My documents were completed timely and professionally.  I highly recommend Patterson Bray.
  
 
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   Tanya White 
 32 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part.  Gabby put together  a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since  then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.
  
 
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   Charmaine Sego 
 33 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.
  
 
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   Phil Chamberlain 
 49 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.
  
 
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   Catherine McGee 
 69 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!
  
 
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 75 days ago
 
 
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   Pam Nicole 
 76 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.

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Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Construction Accident Lawyer

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