As a maritime worker in Tennessee, you work near and around unique risks each day. Your ability to do your job without compromising your safety relies heavily on your responsibility and your employer’s support.
If you experience a job-related injury, you will need to report the situation to your employer. Working with your employer and your medical team, you can get the help and support you need to recover and hopefully return to your job.
When to report
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to delay the time it takes to report your injury. By law, your employer does not have to do anything about your injury claim if you exceed a specific period of time. According to the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, you have 15 calendar days to contact your employer and explain your situation.
If your condition prevents you from communicating with your employer right away, you may consider asking a family member or friend to assist you in filing a claim. Ask around for witness accounts that could bolster your claim and provide evidence of what happened.
What to say
Knowing what to say can help you detail your situation with confidence. Provide a description of the events leading up to your accident, as well as what you were doing when the accident happened. Details including your position, your location and the actions of those around you can all provide context. As soon as you can, make a timeline that shows exactly when everything happened.
Refrain from pointing blame or admitting fault. Allow your employer to conduct their own investigation and reach their own conclusions about the situation. Filing a claim that provides an adequate description may increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovering and getting back to work.
