What is workers' compensation?

Workers' compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. In Tennessee, the system is administered by the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Does my employer have to carry workers' comp insurance?

Tennessee requires coverage for 5 or more employees [§ 50-6-102]. Employers cannot opt out of coverage requirements.

How much will I receive in benefits?

Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits are 66.67% of average weekly wage [§ 50-6-207]. Benefits continue until maximum medical improvement; ttd is not counted toward the 450-week maximum total benefit [§ 50-6-207].

What is the exclusive remedy rule?

The [def:exclusive remedy] doctrine means workers' compensation is generally your only remedy against your employer for workplace injuries [§ 50-6-108]. You typically cannot sue your employer separately for the same injury.

OverviewUpdated 2026-02-27

Tennessee Workers' Compensation Guide — Benefits, Claims & Rights

Workers' compensation coverage, benefits, filing deadlines, and dispute resolution in Tennessee.

Jump to:

Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Tennessee — Steps & Deadlines Workers' Comp Benefits — TTD, PPD & Medical Coverage Denied Workers' Comp Claims in Tennessee — Your Options Workers' Comp Retaliation — Know Your Rights Independent Medical Exams (IME) in Tennessee Workers' Comp Workers' Comp Settlements & Hearings — What to Expect

How Workers' Comp Claims Work

Workers' compensation is a no-fault system — you do not have to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. But the process still requires specific steps in a specific order: reporting the injury, filing a formal claim, and getting treatment through authorized providers. If the insurer disputes your claim, the process shifts to hearings and appeals. Acting quickly matters, because most states impose strict deadlines for reporting and filing.

⚠️

Injury Occurs

workplace accident

📄

Report to Employer

notify promptly

📋

File Claim

submit to insurer

🏥

Medical Treatment

authorized providers

✅

Benefits Paid

wage & medical

If Claim Is Disputed

❌

Claim Denied

insurer rejects claim

🏛️

Appeal / Hearing

before workers' comp board

💰

Settlement

lump sum or structured

High-level illustration only. Timelines, procedures, and benefits vary by state and employer.

Who Is Covered?

Tennessee requires workers' compensation insurance for 5 or more employees §50-6-102. The Exclusive remedy doctrine means that in most cases, workers' comp is your sole remedy against your employer for workplace injuries §50-6-108.

Key Deadlines

Report the injury to your employer within 15 days from date of accident §50-6-201

File a formal claim within 1 year from date of accident §50-6-203

Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment plans

Cooperate with any independent medical examination requests

⚠Missing these deadlines can result in losing your right to benefits entirely. Report your injury as soon as possible.

Benefit Overview

Workers' compensation in Tennessee provides several categories of benefits:

	Description
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)	66.67% of average weekly wage; Until maximum medical improvement; TTD is not counted toward the 450-week maximum total benefit §50-6-207
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)	Yes, scheduled and unscheduled permanent partial disability benefits based on impairment rating §50-6-241
Death Benefits	66.67% of average weekly wage to dependents, paid during dependency and subject to the maximum total benefit §50-6-210
Medical Treatment	All reasonable and necessary medical care related to the work injury

Medical Treatment

Employer provides a panel of at least three physicians; employee selects from the panel §50-6-204. All reasonable and necessary medical treatment causally related to the workplace injury must be covered by the employer or insurer.

✓Keep detailed records of every medical visit, prescription, and work restriction related to your injury. This documentation is critical if your claim is disputed.

No Obligation

Ready to Talk to a Lawyer?

Submit a short intake form and a participating Tennessee attorney who handles this type of matter may reach out to you. No commitment required.

Request a Free Consultation →

No attorney-client relationship is created unless you later sign an engagement agreement. Participating attorneys may pay a marketing fee to receive inquiries.

Common Questions