Tennessee Workers' Compensation Statute of Limitations Explained

Key Deadlines in Tennessee Workers' Compensation Law

In Tennessee, an employee must report a work‑related injury to the employer within 30 days of the incident, and the claim must be filed with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development within one year from the date of injury. Missing these deadlines can bar recovery, though limited extensions are possible if the employee can prove reasonable cause.

Reporting the Injury to Your Employer

The first step is notifying your employer in writing within 30 days. The notice should include the date, location, and nature of the injury, as well as any medical treatment received. If the employer fails to provide a claim form within five days, the employee may submit the form directly to the state agency.

Filing the Formal Claim

After reporting, the employee must file a claim (Form WC‑1) with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The statutory period is one year from the injury date, but the clock stops if the employee is receiving continuous medical treatment for the same injury; the deadline then extends to one year from the last date of treatment.

Appeals and Litigation Timeframes

If a claim is denied, the employee has 30 days to request a hearing before the Workers' Compensation Commission. After a commission decision, an appeal to the Tennessee Court of Appeals must be filed within 30 days. For disputes over benefits, the parties may seek mediation, but any settlement agreement must be signed within the statutory period to remain enforceable.

Exceptions and Extensions

Courts may grant extensions for "reasonable cause," such as delayed discovery of an injury due to latent symptoms. The employee must file a motion for extension before the original deadline expires and provide supporting evidence.

Comparison of Tennessee Deadlines with Neighboring States