I have a 11 % impairment rating on the upper right extremity - corresponds to a 7% impairment of the whole person.

Permanent disability benefits under Tennessee workers' compensation law are based on a formula set out by statute. Within the formula, it is not possible to give a specific award figure because there are factors that modify the benefits both upward and downward. Generally, the law provides that if you have an injury to your arm (and only a part of your arm), then you can receive up to 200 weeks of benefits. But, that maximum figure presumes total loss of the arm. Tennessee law also directs that you multiply your impairment rating by the maximum benefits, meaning you would initially be considering 11% of 200 weeks as the figure. Keep in mind too that a week's worth of benefits is based on your benefit rate, which is roughly measured as 2/3 of your average weekly wage, which is calculated based on what you earned during the weeks before you got hurt. There are other factors which would be unique to your case which would also impact your actual case value. Given the situation you are in with these figures, it will almost always be in your interest to consult with a local attorney who can represent you and maximize the value of your case. The person who tries to represent himself in a situation like this has a fool for a client, as the saying goes. There are very good attorneys who handle workers' compensation cases for injured workers in your area.

If you were a Federal Employee when you were injured, there is no settlement based on the whole person, but there is a schedule award based on permanent partial impairment. The impairment of the upper extremity is based on the sixth edition of the AMA Guides. The award is paid in addition to compensation for lost wages. They are not paid concurrently but one after the other. I urge you to get help from a local attorney or union steward. Do not delay.

Often, Workers' Compensation law in Tennessee is likened to a formula or recipe that ends in a magic number that is your settlement. However, at our office at least, we strive to make it more about the client, than just putting numbers in a formula and figuring how much their claim is worth. In doing so, we make sure that the client gets as much as they are entitled to. Now, here are some of the essentials of workers' comp. law in TN. First, the key factors are: (i) your age; (ii) your education; (iii) your work history; (iv) your past relevant work; (v) your limitations; (vi) what jobs you could get in the future; (vii) your permanent impairment; (viii) your weekly wage; (ix) if you returned to the same employer; and (x) the body part that was injured. However, we take it one step further. We want to know how the injury has affected you, and your personal life on a day-to-day basis. Based on all of these factors, we can help you get everything you are entitled to. I often tell folks not to get caught in the trap of "it's just a formula." 99.9% of the time, you are leaving money on the table that you are entitled to. Workers' Compensation is not like suing someone in a car accident, you won't make millions; but, on the same token, it is money that you are entitled to, not something you should be ashamed of taking. If you would like, you can contact my office for a free consultation to discuss your case further. We are based in Johnson City and handle cases all around the area. Our number is 423-282-1041, and our website is: http://tonyseaton.com/