Judges Hash Out the Meaning of Expert “Disclosure”

By Jane Salem, staff attorney, Nashville An employer’s vocational expert won’t be allowed to testify in an increased benefits case—unless the Appeals Board reverses that call by the trial judge. The decision will turn on what the appellate judges decide the word “disclose” means. Counsel gave sharply disparate opinions on that question at oral arguments … Continue reading Judges Hash Out the Meaning of Expert “Disclosure”

Appeals Board Sets Arguments During Conference

The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board will hear arguments during the Bureau’s upcoming educational conference. The case, Martinez v. ACG Roofing, Inc., involves an insurance coverage dispute and multiple alleged employers. The trial judge denied a motion for summary judgment brought by one of the carriers, Assigned Technology Risk, finding questions of material fact. Assigned Technology … Continue reading Appeals Board Sets Arguments During Conference

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

Attorneys Clash over Nurse Case Managers, occupational injuries

By Jane Salem staff, attorney, Nashville Is a nurse case manager the employer’s “eyes and ears,” so that discussions between the nurse case manager and the employer’s attorney are privileged? Is summary judgment appropriate in an occupational disease claim when the injured worker hasn’t missed work and has no restrictions? The Appeals Board will answer … Continue reading Attorneys Clash over Nurse Case Managers, occupational injuries

Appeals Board Releases Two Opinions from October Oral Arguments

By Jane Salem, staff attorney, Nashville Earlier this week, the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board affirmed a pair of trial court rulings about an employer’s right to a medical examination and the exclusion of expert testimony when an attorney didn’t comply with a scheduling deadline. The Board held oral argument in both cases last month. … Continue reading Appeals Board Releases Two Opinions from October Oral Arguments

What’s New at the Appeals Board?

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?