Legal Question in Workers Comp in Tennessee
Moving
I had injured my right shoulder and after 14months off and 2 surgeries, i returned to work a year ago. I was planning on moving to NC but hadn't turned in my notice when i injured my left shoulder. I injured my left one doing the same thing i was when the right shoulder injury occured. I've had one doctor tell me that i need to get into a different line of work, that i wasn't made to do this kind of work and i'm still waiting to see the Orthopedic doctor. I still need to move to help with my grandson, but what do i do about Workers Comp? I can travel back and forth to the Dr. if that is allowed. Will i still be able to collect WC? When should i tell WC and my employer?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Moving
Your employer's worker comp carrier will re-assign a doctor(orthopedist) that serves the area where you intend to move. In fact, the carrier should give you the names of three physicians from which you can choose one. There should be no need for you to travel to and from the existing physician if the distance is great or if the travel weould result in hardship, exceptional inconvenience or would be painful or aggravating to the condition to either shoulder. If you do travel, the expenses of that travel are reimbursable to you so keep track of mileage, and maintain receipts for parking, tolls and meals, etc.
Good luck and Merry Christmas.
Re: Moving
You are entitled to medical benefits under comp regardless of whether you move or quit. If the doctor takes you completly out of work you should also continue to receive your TTD. If,however, your doctor puts you on light duty, your employer offers you light duty work and you do not take the work, your TTD will likely stop. If you would like to discuss this more feel free to call or email my office next week. We will be out Monday but will be in the rest of the week. You can also view our website, workcompfirm.com, for answers. I hope this helps. Jim Higgins