Tennessee Workers Comp Guide
The Tennessee workers comp process has a defined order — report, treat, file, wait — and understanding it before you're in the middle of it makes each step less stressful.
How to File a Claim in Tennessee
Report the injury to your employer first — this starts the clock on your claim and is separate from the formal filing deadline.
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
- Seek medical treatment and inform the provider it's work-related
- Your employer files a First Report of Injury with their insurer
- File your own claim within Tennessee's deadline — see below
- Cooperate with the insurer's investigation and any requested exams
Filing Deadline and Waiting Period
Tennessee's general filing deadline is 1 year from the date of injury, and there's a 7-day waiting period before wage-replacement benefits begin. See the full filing deadline guide for tolling rules and what happens if you miss it.
What Happens After You File
Filing doesn't mean the process is over — it means the insurer's clock starts. Keep records of every communication from this point forward.
Do You Need an Attorney in Tennessee?
Whether you need an attorney in Tennessee usually comes down to whether the insurer is disputing something. An uncontested claim for a minor injury rarely requires one; a denied claim or permanent disability almost always benefits from one. Tennessee caps attorney contingency fees at 20%.