All other offices are open. We're sorry for the inconvenience and hope that power is back by Monday.
Tag: News
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
Settlement approvals on pause in Nashville
By Chief Judge Kenneth M. Switzer We realize many of you are anxious to get your settlements approved. Unfortunately, we cannot predict when power will be restored to our building. So, here is my suggestion: cancel your plans to seek approvals (in Davidson County only) for the rest of this week. That way you will … Continue reading Settlement approvals on pause in Nashville
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.
Bureau Seeks Nominations for Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is accepting nominations for the Second 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, medical … Continue reading Bureau Seeks Nominations for Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation
It’s official! Welcome, Judge Godkin
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation welcomed its newest jurist on Friday, January 17. Pele I. Godkin is now a judge on the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, sitting in Nashville. Davidson County Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle administered the oath at the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the Tennessee State Capitol. Photos by Kyle Jones, Bureau … Continue reading It’s official! Welcome, Judge Godkin
Governor Lee Appoints new Appeals Board Judge
Abbie Hudgens, administrator of the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation, announced today that Gov. Bill Lee has appointed a new Workers' Compensation Appeals Board Judge, Pele Godkin. Ms. Godkin is a former workers’ compensation specialist in what was then called the Division of Workers’ Compensation in both the Nashville and Murfreesboro offices. In 2008 she … Continue reading Governor Lee Appoints new Appeals Board Judge
Good Bye and Good Luck, Judge Davidson
By Jane Salem, staff attorney, Court of Workers' Compensation Claims, Nashville When Judge Marshall L. Davidson, III, reported for his first day as presiding judge of the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, he entered the building and asked the guards how to find the appellate court clerk’s office. They looked puzzled and told him there … Continue reading Good Bye and Good Luck, Judge Davidson
Next Step Program Specialist Announced
The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has appointed its inaugural position for the new Next Step Program. Marion Southall White was hired as the first Vocational Recovery Specialist for the Next Step Program. Marion comes from a career development background with the Institute for Career Development for the United Steelworkers. She brings years of manufacturing … Continue reading Next Step Program Specialist Announced
New faces at the Appeals Board
The Tennessee Workers' Compensation Appeals Board is pleased to announce the hiring of two new staff members. Olivia Yearwood will be the Board’s new clerk of court. Yearwood previously worked in the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation as a Compliance Specialist, and before that she was a Special Agent for the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Yearwood … Continue reading New faces at the Appeals Board
Taking the next step after benefits end
By Brian Holmes, Director, Mediation and Ombudsman Services of Tennessee, Nashville The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation recently launched the Next Step Program. This new program assists injured workers who are unable to return to their pre-injury employment. Many receive their workers’ compensation benefits and are unsure how they will support their families in the future. … Continue reading Taking the next step after benefits end
Congratulations, Judge David Hensley!
By Judge Marshall L. Davidson, Nashville Speak with Judge David F. Hensley for long, and he might just tell you that he is “from the coal fields of Kentucky and had a public education.” Do not be fooled. You also might notice his distinctive southern drawl. Do not be fooled by that, either. Judge … Continue reading Congratulations, Judge David Hensley!
Chattanooga makes the front page
Congratulations to court staff in the Chattanooga office on an excellent article in the Hamilton County Herald.
New Law Addresses Marketplace Contractors and Platforms
By Judge Joshua Davis Baker, Nashville The General Assembly recently passed SB1967/HB1978 concerning “marketplace platforms,” which the law defines as a business offering “an online-enabled application, software, website or system that enables the provision of services by marketplace contractors to third-party individuals or entities seeking services.” A marketplace platform provides a forum for third parties to … Continue reading New Law Addresses Marketplace Contractors and Platforms
Precious Memories and a Bright Future
By Judge Brian Addington, Gray (formerly of Kingsport) It was a new experience when I walked in the door at 1908 Bowater Drive in Kingsport, Tennessee in late 2004 for the first time. What used to be a Greyhound bus station, unemployment office, car parts store and church now served as the Bureau’s Northeast Tennessee … Continue reading Precious Memories and a Bright Future
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!
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
Bureau Announces New Resource for Self-Represented Litigants
Merriam Webster online defines an attorney as one whose profession is “to advise as to legal rights and obligations,” while an ombudsman is one who “investigates, reports on, and helps settle complaints.” Combine the two, and you’ve got the Bureau’s new Ombudsman Attorney Program, a resource separate from the Court of Workers' Compensation Claims for … Continue reading Bureau Announces New Resource for Self-Represented Litigants
Good-bye and Good Luck
By Judge Brian Addington, Kingsport It was not that long ago that Martin Conway ̶ we call him Marty ̶ came to work for the Bureau as a Specialist IV. Wait a second; it has been nine-plus years! My, how time flies. Marty came to the Bureau from Wimberly Lawson, a private law firm. He … Continue reading Good-bye and Good Luck
