By Judge Brian Addington, Gray I was honored to sponsor Delanie Williams at her admission ceremony before the Tennessee Supreme Court in Knoxville on October 6. I’ve known Delanie’s grandmother for years, so it was a pleasure to have Delanie intern for the Court in the Gray office in 2021. During her time here, she … Continue reading Welcome, New Lawyers
Category: Uncategorized
Board Mulls whether Shooting Relates to Work
By Traci Haynes, staff attorney, Gray Last month, the Appeals Board heard oral arguments in a case where an auto repair shop manager was accidentally shot by another worker, who was trying to sell him a handgun. In Timothy Burke v. Steve Towers Enterprises, the trial court granted summary judgment, concluding that the injury didn’t … Continue reading Board Mulls whether Shooting Relates to Work
2023 Statutory Changes Take Effect Soon
By Judge Pamela B. Johnson The 2023 session of the 113th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned on April 21. During this year’s session, three workers’ compensation bills successfully passed. Below is a summary of the notable changes, but please take the time to click on the links and read the full-text for yourself. Public Chapter No. … Continue reading 2023 Statutory Changes Take Effect Soon
Coal Miner’s Grandson
By Judge Robert Durham, Cookeville I was recently thinking about how critical workers’ compensation benefits are for some families, particularly those whose primary breadwinner has died in a work accident. And then I realized something that I’d never thought about, even though I’ve dealt in worker’s compensation for thirty years now: my own family was … Continue reading Coal Miner’s Grandson
Third case added to February Oral Arguments
The Appeals Board will also hear arguments in Cook v. Newton Nissan of Gallatin on February 22. After an expedited hearing, the trial court ordered the employer to offer a panel of pain management specialists, which panel must exclude a physician who had already seen the employee. The employer appealed. Arguments will start at 9:00 … Continue reading Third case added to February Oral Arguments
Memphis settlements canceled today
However, next week approvals will take place from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, the approval hours will be extended. They are available from 9 a.m. to noon. Thanks for your flexibility.
Memphis settlements canceled; expanded hours in Nashville
Chief Judge Switzer will be available for approvals from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. Central Time, today only.
In Re: Residents of Montgomery, Stewart, and Houston Counties
By Chief Judge Kenneth M. Switzer, Nashville There’s no place like home. Some people have to travel far from home for a settlement approval. Over the years, the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims has secured remote locations to hold settlement approval hearings. We’ve done this because our judges are located in eight cities across the … Continue reading In Re: Residents of Montgomery, Stewart, and Houston Counties
Memphis Settlements Canceled Today
Memphis settlements are canceled today due to inclement weather. Be careful on the roads if you must go out.
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
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
The Bureau is Closed on April 15
In observance of Good Friday, Bureau offices will be closed.
The Bureau is closed today to honor Veterans
We’ll see some of you next week
Next week, the Bureau of Workers' Compensation will host the 2021 Educational Conference in Murfreesboro. You may attend in-person November 1-3 or on demand starting November 15 through December 3. This year's theme is "Be the Change." It's not too late to register. Next Tuesday will see the premiere of the Court of Workers' Compensation … Continue reading We’ll see some of you next week
Bureau Seeks Nominations for Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is accepting nominations for the Third Annual Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation. Nominees must have been involved in the Tennessee workers’ compensation system for a minimum of five years in one of the following categories: employer or employer’s representative, employee representative, service provider, claims professional, … Continue reading Bureau Seeks Nominations for Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation
Take care of Yourselves and Others
By Judge Joshua Davis Baker, Nashville Today marks an important milestone in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States, as vaccinations are now available to some. This is encouraging news; yet, we still have a long way to go before the world returns to “normal.” We’re all familiar with the physical health … Continue reading Take care of Yourselves and Others
Telephonic settlement approvals will continue through August
Thanks for your continued flexibility. Click here and here for more information on the process, which we previously conveyed. Be safe, everyone.
Guidance as in-person hearings resume
By Chief Judge Kenneth Switzer, Nashville “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: You haven’t.” --Thomas Edison Right now, we’re all … Continue reading Guidance as in-person hearings resume
Remembering Those Who Died at Work
By Judge Brian Addington, Gray Wow, April 28th came and passed, and nothing really seemed to be going on because of the COVID-19 mess we are in right now. But, did you know that April 28th is actually a day of remembrance? In the United States, it is called Workers’ Memorial Day. In Canada, it’s … Continue reading Remembering Those Who Died at Work
From the Bench 