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Does My Employer Need to Pay for Time Off to See a Doctor for a Workplace Injury?

Does My Employer Need to Pay for Time Off to See a Doctor for a Workplace Injury?

Full question:

I drive a truck. I fell in the truck while making a delivery on Dec. 4. My shoulder started hurting over the weekend. 30 minutes after I arrived at work Mon. Dec 7 I reported the incident and was sent to the doctor. I went back to work the next day. I was not paid anything for Dec 7. I was told it was covered by workers compensation. I know that is not right, but I was not allowed to work until I went to the doctor. Do they owe me for the time I spent at the doctor that day?

Category: Employment
Subcategory: Employment Agreement or Contract
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Tennessee

Answer:

An employee injured and off work fewer than 14 days is not paid for the first seven days under Workers' Compensation law. It may be possible to use sick or Family Medical Leave time for this time period. Whether an employee can be paid for time off for a doctor appointment during work hours is governed by the policies of the employer. I suggest you read the applicable employment manual, handbook, or union contract to determine your rights and obligations, as well as those of the employer.

For further discussion, please see:

http://www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/Wcbrochu.pdf

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What should I do if my employer doesn't pay me for time spent at a doctor appointment after a work injury?

If your employer does not pay you for time spent at a doctor appointment after a work injury, first check your company's policies regarding pay for medical appointments. You may also consider discussing the issue with your HR department. If necessary, you can file a complaint with your state's workers' compensation board. Remember, under workers' compensation laws, you may not be paid for the first seven days of absence if you are off work for fewer than 14 days. Review any applicable sick leave or Family Medical Leave options as well.

Can I use sick leave for time spent at the doctor after a work injury?

Yes, you may be able to use sick leave for time spent at the doctor after a work injury, depending on your employer's policies. Review your employment manual or handbook to understand your rights regarding sick leave usage. If your employer allows it, you can use sick leave to cover the time spent at medical appointments related to your injury.

How does workers' compensation affect my pay for medical appointments?

Workers' compensation laws typically state that if an employee is injured and off work for fewer than 14 days, they are not paid for the first seven days of absence. This means you may not receive pay for time spent at medical appointments during this period. However, you should check your employer's specific policies, as some may offer pay for time spent at doctor visits.

What are my rights if I am injured at work?

If you are injured at work, you have the right to report the injury and seek medical treatment. You are also entitled to file a workers' compensation claim to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Your employer should provide you with information about your rights and the claims process. It's important to document your injury and any communications with your employer regarding your treatment and time off.