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?
12/19/2009 |
Category: Employment ยป Employment A... |
State: Tennessee |
#20126
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