Workers Compensation Statute of Limitations

The right to receive workers' compensation benefits does not stay open forever. An injured worker must file Form C40B, "Request for Benefit Review Conference," before the time limit runs out. Generally, that is one year from the date of injury, or the date the employer last paid temporary disability or medical bills. Some special circumstances can extend the time to file.

If you have been injured on the job, you should immediately report any work-related accident, injury or illness to your employer. Employer notification, preferably in writing, is required by law within 30 days of the date of injury or when a physician first tells the employee that his/her injury is work related.

Employers covered by the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act must submit all known or reported injuries or illnesses to their insurer on Tennessee Employer’s First Report of Work Injury or Illness (Form C-20) within one (1) working day of knowledge of the injury or illness. Insurance carriers and self-insured employers must file a Form C-20 with the Division through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) as soon as possible, but not later than fourteen (14) days after knowledge of the injury or illness.

If you feel that your claim is not being processed correctly or at all, you should contact an attorney.