Augment LeadsTaking Tennessee workers' comp cases? Here's how the Tennessee system is set up, what the notice and filing rules say and how to screen callers, with a link to each source. Other states are on the workers' comp leads by state hub.
Who handles Tennessee workers' comp claims
Tennessee's system is run by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Under Tenn. Code 50-6-203, a claim starts with a petition for benefit determination filed with the bureau, and a hearing before a workers' compensation judge can't be requested until a mediator issues a dispute certification notice.
Tennessee notice and filing rules
Written notice to the employer
Under Tenn. Code 50-6-201, the injured employee must give the employer written notice immediately or as soon as reasonable and practicable. Compensation isn't payable unless written notice is given within 15 days after the accident, unless there's a reasonable excuse. For gradual or cumulative injuries, the 15 days run from when the employee knows or reasonably should know of the work-related injury, as the section describes.
Filing the petition
Under Tenn. Code 50-6-203, if the employer hasn't paid benefits, the right to compensation is barred unless the notice is given and a petition for benefit determination is filed with the bureau within one year after the accident. If the employer paid benefits voluntarily, the year runs from the later of the last authorized treatment or the last payment of compensation.
Not legal advice. Check current rules with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation before relying on them.
What to ask a Tennessee injured worker
- When did the injury happen, and did you give your employer written notice within 15 days?
- Did the injury happen at once, or build up over time?
- Has a petition for benefit determination been filed with the bureau? When?
- Has the employer paid any benefits or authorized treatment? When was the last one?
How our Tennessee leads work
Pick Tennessee and any other states where you're licensed; we screen every injured worker against your filters and send the lead to your firm alone. Unqualified leads are replaced. The service is on workers' comp leads for attorneys, and exclusive vs shared leads explains the difference.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Tennessee worker have to report an injury?
Tenn. Code 50-6-201 requires written notice to the employer, and compensation isn't payable unless it's given within 15 days after the accident, absent a reasonable excuse. Confirm current rules with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
How long does a Tennessee worker have to file?
Under Tenn. Code 50-6-203, a petition for benefit determination must be filed with the bureau within one year after the accident if no benefits were paid, or within one year of the later of the last authorized treatment or last payment if benefits were paid. Confirm current rules with the bureau.
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