We’re glad you asked! First, on Monday, new rules became effective that govern the appeals process for both interlocutory appeals and compensation order appeals. They are available here. The rules didn't revise any deadlines or make other significant substantive changes, but they now incorporate the Board’s former Practices and Procedures into the administrative rules. Second, … Continue reading What’s New at the Appeals Board?
Category: Blog Administrator
Bureau announces new resource for pro se litigants
By James Hicks, ombudsman attorney, Nashville Over the past three years (has it really been that long?), I have been honored to serve as an ombudsman attorney for the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. My days are spent explaining legal concepts and court procedure to self-represented litigants. It is almost always the case that the people … Continue reading Bureau announces new resource for pro se litigants
Phone settlement approvals will continue through October
Thanks for your continuing cooperation with our revised settlement procedures due to the pandemic. Photo by Kim Weaver, Legal Assistant and devoted gardener, Knoxville.
October oral arguments announced
The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board will hold oral arguments in four cases on Oct. 15, by phone or “other remote means” yet to be determined. Click here to see the docket. The arguments kick off at 9:00 a.m. Central Time with a case from west Tennessee, Diamond v. Kroger Co. The case required the … Continue reading October oral arguments announced
Bureau Announces Virtual Educational Conference
A while back, we announced with great disappointment that our annual educational conference was canceled. But now we have fantastic news: We've discovered a way to present a great conference without the worries of bringing 600-plus attendees together. We'll be teaming with Select Medical to host a virtual conference. Save the dates--October 24-30--although it’s not … Continue reading Bureau Announces Virtual Educational Conference
No settlement approvals statewide on July 3, 16 and 17
We'll be closed on Friday for the July Fourth holiday. The Court holds its semi-annual Judicial Meeting on July 16 and 17, and no one will be available to approve settlements. We wish you a safe and happy holiday.
Bureau Announces Judge Reappointments
Abbie Hudgens, Administrator of the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, announced today that she has reappointed seven judges to the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims. They are: Kenneth Switzer, Chief Judge, Nashville Brian Addington, Gray Pamela Johnson, Knoxville Lisa Lowe, Knoxville Thomas Wyatt, Chattanooga Allen Phillips, Jackson Deana Seymour, Memphis. “One of the most significant … Continue reading Bureau Announces Judge Reappointments
Telephonic settlement approvals to continue through July
While states and cities commence reopening at various paces, we have determined that we will continue conducting settlement approvals by telephone through July. By most accounts, the new, temporary process is working well and keeping everyone safe at the same time. We will reevaluate this decision in the coming weeks and let you know what … Continue reading Telephonic settlement approvals to continue through July
Surveys delayed but on the way
In a previous blog post, we announced that electronic surveys about our judges would be sent to every attorney and self-represented litigant within the past year who tried or settled a case in the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims where a dispute certification notice issued. We also said to watch your inboxes because they would … Continue reading Surveys delayed but on the way
Bureau Postpones/Cancels Conference
Unfortunately, the Bureau must postpone and possibly cancel our Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference that was scheduled for June 10-12 in Murfreesboro. The pandemic and associated Stay-at-Home/Work-at-Home guidance from the Governor’s office and the CDC will not allow us to go forward with the original dates. We’re currently polling our constituents to gauge their desire and … Continue reading Bureau Postpones/Cancels Conference
Deadline extended for nominations for Sue Ann Head Award
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has extended the deadline for nominations for the Second Annual Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation. Nominations will now be accepted until Friday, May 29, 2020. To learn more about the award, click here to watch a video about last year's winner. Nomination forms are available here. Questions … Continue reading Deadline extended for nominations for Sue Ann Head Award
Calling for your settlement approval or other hearing
As we prepare for the beginning of telephonic settlement approval hearings next week, we’d like to remind you of the telephone numbers our judges and staff use for conference calls, listed below. Location JUDGES Toll-Free Local CHATTANOOGA Audrey Headrick 855-383-0001 423-634-0164 CHATTANOOGA Thomas Wyatt 855-747-1721 615-741-3061 MEMPHIS Rhoberta Orsland 855-543-5045 901-543-2669 MEMPHIS Deana Seymour 866-943-0014 … Continue reading Calling for your settlement approval or other hearing
In-person oral arguments cancelled
The Tennessee Workers' Compensation Appeals Board issued an order on Friday cancelling the in-person aspect of the next docket of oral arguments. The arguments will now be held telephonically. Thank you.
Cookeville is back
Phone and internet service has been restored to the Cookeville office of the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Please call 931-520-4290 for scheduling. Again, thank you.
Appeals Board schedules next oral arguments in Knoxville
The Tennessee Workers' Compensation Appeals Board will hold its next set of oral arguments on March 24, 2020, at the Supreme Court Building in Knoxville. On the (very full) docket are: Johnston v. Sisken Steel & Supply Co.: The Employer is challenging medical causation and an award of permanent total disability benefits in an occupational … Continue reading Appeals Board schedules next oral arguments in Knoxville
Update on Cookeville
The Cookeville office is open, but they have no Internet or phone service. All previously-scheduled settlement approvals and telephone hearings will proceed. For scheduling this week during the service outage, contact Patsy Bumbalough in the Murfreesboro office. She can be reached at (615) 848-6743 or patsy.bumbalough@tn.gov. We'll let you know when service is restored. Thanks.
We’re back
We are pleased to let you know that the Nashville office is open and operating at full capacity. To make up for those lost settlement approvals, and as promised, for THIS WEEK ONLY, we will do settlement approvals from 8-11 and 1–3:30 every day. No need to call or schedule. Just show up, and we … Continue reading We’re back
Nashville office closed on March 6
All other offices are open. We're sorry for the inconvenience and hope that power is back by Monday.
Nashville office remains closed on March 5; Cookeville is open
The power is still out in Nashville. But don't forget, the other Bureau offices are open for business. Also, some Nashville employees have the capability to work from home and are doing so, to minimize any inconvenience. They are available by email and some by phone as well. Also, documents may still be filed on … Continue reading Nashville office remains closed on March 5; Cookeville is open
Mark your calendars: Free Legal Clinic in Knoxville
On March 14, volunteer attorneys and law students will be available to meet with injured workers to answer their questions about workers' compensation. The clinic will take place at the Duncan School of Law, Lincoln Memorial University in Knoxville. For more information, click here.
From the Bench 