The public hearing on the proposed revisions to the Mediation and Hearing Procedures for the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims is Tuesday, October 30, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time at the Bureau of Workers' Compensation in the Tennessee Room, 220 French Landing Drive in Nashville. This is your opportunity to voice your opinion. Members of … Continue reading See you next week
Category: Blog Administrator
New General Rules Take Effect
By Jeff Francis, Assistant Administrator, Nashville The Bureau recently revised its General Rules. The revised rules took effect on May 31 and were designed to make claims handling more efficient and uniform. In summary, the revisions include: Carriers are now required to provide employers a copy of the Notice of Employer Rights and Responsibilities whenever a … Continue reading New General Rules Take Effect
Chattanooga makes the front page
Congratulations to court staff in the Chattanooga office on an excellent article in the Hamilton County Herald.
Changing the Rules
In June 2014, a group of fresh-faced workers’ compensation judges in Tennessee – none of whom had actually heard a case yet – developed a set of rules for the newly minted Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims. They relied on their lengthy collective experience as trial attorneys and specialist 4s to come up with a … Continue reading Changing the Rules
Dude, Let’s Go (Ethics) Bowling
How well do you know the Rules of Professional Conduct? Test your knowledge during the Ethics Bowl breakout session at the upcoming Bureau Educational Conference on Friday, June 8, at 8 a.m. at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. Yes, 8 a.m.! – a great time to sharpen your ethics skills before a relaxing weekend. Bring … Continue reading Dude, Let’s Go (Ethics) Bowling
Are you an Outlaw or an Angel?
Find out at the upcoming Bureau Educational Conference in Murfreesboro. Staff Attorneys Jane Salem, Court of Workers' Compensation Claims, and Elizabeth Vines, Appeals Board -- huge "outlaw country" fans -- will host "Outlaws and Angels: Tips for Success in Your Workers' Compensation Case." They'll offer their views from beside the bench... when the recording is … Continue reading Are you an Outlaw or an Angel?
Please Give us your Feedback
To all self-represented parties/lawyers who have tried a case within the last year: Last week, you should’ve received a survey asking you to provide feedback based on your experience with the Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims. If you’ve already completed the survey, thanks for taking the time to provide us with your valuable feedback, … Continue reading Please Give us your Feedback
The Survey Says…
By Chris Acuff, Statistical Research Analyst, Nashville We actually don't know what the survey says -- yet. As part of the Tennessee Court of Workers' Compensation Claims' efforts to continually improve the hearing and settlement process for all parties, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation will be distributing a brief questionnaire to assess customers' experiences with … Continue reading The Survey Says…
You’re invited!
The Tennessee Court of Workers' Compensation Claims is hosting "Coffee with the Court" at three locations in April. Yes, we really will serve coffee! The goal is to answer your questions and to listen to your constructive criticism and suggestions. We hope to listen more than we speak. Please mark your calendars now and plan … Continue reading You’re invited!
Appeals Board Sets Knoxville Oral Arguments, Revises Rules
The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board recently set four cases for oral argument in Knoxville on April 26. Starting at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, the Board will take up Yeaman v. Kindred Health Care, where the Court denied a motion to dismiss for failure to prosecute. Afterward, counsel will argue whether the Court properly held … Continue reading Appeals Board Sets Knoxville Oral Arguments, Revises Rules
TNComp Goes Live!
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) now uses an innovative new system that allows attorneys and self-represented litigants to file documents without printing copies or traveling to BWC offices across the state. The new TNComp electronic filing system allows all parties to file contested case pleadings in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Since BWC … Continue reading TNComp Goes Live!
The Next Maury County Day is…
The next day for settlement approvals in Maury County is March 28. If you have a claimant from the southern counties who prefers going to Columbia rather than the Murfreesboro office, contact Patsy Bumbalough or call 615-848-6743.
Nobody’s Perfect
In case you've been too busy to keep up with the Appeals Board's decisions of late, we thought this practice tip might be helpful. Several recent appellate opinions have contained a version of the following language: Section 50-6-217(a)(3) authorized us to reverse or modify a trial court’s decision if the rights of a party were … Continue reading Nobody’s Perfect
The Next Maury County Day is…
The next day for settlement approvals in Maury County is February 20. If you have a claimant from the southern counties who prefers going to Columbia rather than the Murfreesboro office, contact Patsy Bumbalough or call 615-848-6743.
No settlement approvals on January 5, 2018
Happy New Year! All of the judges and staff attorneys are meeting on January 5, and therefore none of the offices statewide will host settlement approvals on that date.
The next Maury County Day is…
The next day for settlement approvals in Maury County is January 30. If you have a claimant from the southern counties who prefers going to Columbia rather than the Murfreesboro office, contact Patsy Bumbalough or call 615-848-6743.
Trial Settlement Day Set in Maury County
The Court of Workers' Compensation Claims is continually looking for ways to better serve our clientele. To that end, parties and counsel in the mid-state may seek approval of their settlements in the Maury County Courthouse, rather than the Murfreesboro office, on Wednesday, November 29, starting at 9:00 a.m. If you wish to do so, … Continue reading Trial Settlement Day Set in Maury County
Help Wanted
The Appeals Board is looking for a staff attorney who excels in research and writing, among other strengths. Read more about the position here (scroll to "staff attorney").
Tennessee Comp Reforms Receive High Marks
We're proud that people are noticing the Bureau's hard work generally and the Court's in particular. We promise to continue to provide a fair, efficient and professional court system to employees and employers that will promote economic prosperity for all Tennesseans.
Bureau Redoubles Compliance Efforts, Names New Director
Tennessee employers, you’re warned: Comply with the Workers’ Compensation Law, or be prepared to face serious consequences. The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is making changes to its Compliance Program. The Bureau’s efforts include appointing new leadership, pursuing new initiatives and hiring additional staff to achieve its goals. As of Oct. 1, Amanda Terry now … Continue reading Bureau Redoubles Compliance Efforts, Names New Director
From the Bench 