Settlement approvals will be held by phone this week only. Due to inclement weather, the City of Memphis has experienced several water main breaks. The breaks have left the Memphis office of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation uninhabitable until the low water pressure can be fixed. Staff will be working remotely. Therefore, for this week … Continue reading ALERT: WATER MAIN BREAK CAUSES MEMPHIS OFFICE CLOSURE
Author: tncourtofwcclaims
Oral Arguments Returning to Belmont Law
The very first arguments for the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board took place at Belmont University College of Law in Nashville in 2016. The Board will return there on January 27, 2023, for another set of arguments. First up will be Acevedo v. Crown Paving. Surviving dependents filed a claim after the worker incurred over … Continue reading Oral Arguments Returning to Belmont Law
Communication: Have We Gone Back in Time?
By Kim Weaver, Paralegal, Knoxville I love to imagine what life was like in the 1800s. I imagine if you lived on the east coast, it was so much simpler to communicate with your family or neighbor. But what if you moved to the old west? It was so remote and rural, that your neighbors, … Continue reading Communication: Have We Gone Back in Time?
Changes Afoot for Memphis Settlements
By Judge Shaterra Marion, Memphis It’s hard to believe I’ve been on the bench for over a month already. I’ve already done about 150 settlement approvals using our current process, but things are a-changing. Specifically, the Memphis Court settlement approval process is changing, effective January 3, 2023. Settlement approvals will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, … Continue reading Changes Afoot for Memphis Settlements
In-Person Oral Arguments Return
Later this week, the Appeals Board will return to in-person oral arguments after a two-year hiatus. During the pandemic, the Board used teleconferencing for arguments. The upcoming arguments will take place on Friday, December 2, at the Supreme Court Building in Nashville. First up will be a pair of cases presenting similar issues, Arlene Ernstes … Continue reading In-Person Oral Arguments Return
A Thankful Heart
By Penny Shrum, Clerk of Court, Nashville “A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues.” --Marcus Tullius Cicero As Thanksgiving approaches, giving thanks is on my mind. My extended family will be gathering at my sister’s new house in Nolensville. I hope you’ll be able to … Continue reading A Thankful Heart
Do You Have the Winning Numbers?
By Judge Pamela Johnson, Knoxville 10, 33, 41, 47, 56, and 10. These are the winning numbers for the record-breaking $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot, with one winning ticket sold at Joe’s Service Center in Altadena, located in Los Angeles County, California. While winning lottery numbers are thrilling, having the correct numbers is important in other … Continue reading Do You Have the Winning Numbers?
State Offices Closed on Friday to Honor Veterans
In addition, here's a list of other upcoming state holidays.
A Word About Settlement Filing Fees
By Judge Dale Tipps, Murfreesboro We’re nice people. Really, we are. (Except for that one person, and they know who they are.) So whenever possible, the Court tries to be accommodating to the folks who need our services. This is why, in the past, we occasionally allowed defense counsel to pay a filing fee after … Continue reading A Word About Settlement Filing Fees
It’s Official! Judge Shaterra Marion is Sworn in
Yesterday afternoon, Chief Judge Kenneth M. Switzer administered the judicial oath to Judge Shaterra Reed Marion, who will sit in the Memphis office of the Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims. Her husband, Gerard Marion, held the Bible. Judge Marion’s father, Terrence Reed, helped her don the robe for the very first time. Judge Marion … Continue reading It’s Official! Judge Shaterra Marion is Sworn in
Presumptions in Tennessee Workers’ Compensation
By Judge Brian Addington, Gray History buffs like me will remember the words of H.M. Stanley: “Dr. Livingstone, I presume.” And, anyone who watches movies or television can likely complete this sentence: A criminal defendant is “presumed ______ until _______.” Or if someone disappears, how many years until they’re presumed dead? We have many presumptions … Continue reading Presumptions in Tennessee Workers’ Compensation
Update: Settling Cases with MSAs
By Judge Dale Tipps, Murfreesboro Readers of the Court’s blog are no doubt familiar with our ever-popular classic, Settling Cases with Medicare Set-Aside Agreements, where we made it clear that the Court won’t review or approve MSAs entered into by parties seeking to close future medical benefits. That hasn’t changed – we’re still not going … Continue reading Update: Settling Cases with MSAs
C-32s: Law, Cases and Practice Pointers
By Jane Salem, staff attorney, Nashville What if there were an easy way to get a physician’s opinion into evidence? Great news! For 35 years now, we’ve had that shortcut: section 50-6-235 and its rule counterpart, 0800-02-01-.09. The statute and rule state that a party may file the form instead of a physician’s deposition. Form … Continue reading C-32s: Law, Cases and Practice Pointers
Judge Announced for the Memphis Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Administrator Troy Haley has appointed Shaterra Reed Marion as a judge on the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims, the adjudicative function within the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. She will be located in the Memphis office. Ms. Marion has practiced law in Tennessee since 2012, primarily in workers’ compensation and insurance defense. She has been Field … Continue reading Judge Announced for the Memphis Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Board Probes Causation Presumption, Standard of Review
By Sarah Byrne, staff attorney, Nashville The Appeals Board heard oral arguments recently in Johnson v. Inspire Brands, d/b/a Blazin Wings, Inc, an interlocutory appeal of an expedited hearing order where the trial court, after weighing competing expert medical opinions, granted back surgery. Oral arguments focused on two issues: whether a former authorized treating physician … Continue reading Board Probes Causation Presumption, Standard of Review
We’ll Miss You, Judge Seymour
By Jane Salem, staff attorney, Nashville It just had to feel “right.” So says Judge Deana Seymour about her process when finalizing an order after an evidentiary hearing. After applying the facts to the law and before signing it, she always did a gut check. That doesn’t mean she always got it right; but often, … Continue reading We’ll Miss You, Judge Seymour
Abbie Hudgens Inducted into NAWCJ Hall of Fame
By Judge Audrey Headrick, Chattanooga In 2011, Governor Bill Haslam appointed Abbie Hudgens as Administrator of the Division, now Bureau, of Workers’ Compensation. Among her many accomplishments, Abbie led the Bureau through the 2013 Workers’ Compensation Reform Act. The Reform Act created the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims. Abbie ultimately appointed twelve workers’ compensation judges. … Continue reading Abbie Hudgens Inducted into NAWCJ Hall of Fame
No settlements statewide next Monday through Wednesday
The Judges will be attending the Bureau's Educational Conference in Murfreesboro. Hope to see you there. As a reminder, please check the hours and procedures for settlements before scheduling them. Thanks. West Tennessee crepe myrtle fares well in the summer heat. Photo by Judge Deana Seymour, Memphis.
Board Sets Oral Arguments in Two Cases
On August 10, the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board will hold oral argument in a pair of cases regarding an employee’s entitlement to medical benefits while treating for their work injuries. In both cases, the trial courts had to weigh conflicting expert opinions over medical causation and ultimately found in favor of the injured worker. … Continue reading Board Sets Oral Arguments in Two Cases
Former U.S. Attorney General to Speak at Annual Conference
Attorneys, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is offering three presentations to satisfy your annual continuing education requirements on legal ethics at the Annual Educational Conference. This year, the conference will take place Monday, August 15, through Wednesday, August 17, at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Murfreesboro. We’re offering a one-hour ethics presentation on each … Continue reading Former U.S. Attorney General to Speak at Annual Conference
From the Bench 