A Tennessee workers' compensation claim has a filing deadline, and missing it can end the claim no matter how serious the injury was. Tenn. Code § 50-6-203 sets the rules. The Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation puts it simply: the right to receive benefits does not stay open forever, and in most cases the deadline to file the request is one year from the date the injury occurred, or the date the last temporary disability benefits were paid or medical benefits were provided for the injury, whichever is latest.
| Situation | Deadline under Tenn. Code § 50-6-203 |
|---|---|
| Employer has paid no benefits | Give notice under § 50-6-201 and file a Petition for Benefit Determination within 1 year after the accident |
| Employer voluntarily paid benefits within one year of the accident | File within 1 year from the later of the last authorized treatment or the last compensation payment |
| Which date counts as the last payment | The issuing date of the check, not the date you received it; the employer or insurer must provide the date on request |
| Physical or mental incapacity | Period extended 1 year from when the incapacity ends (minority does not count) |
| Death benefits | Dependents file within 1 year after the employee's death, unless settled or voluntarily paid |
| Claim dismissed for missing mediation | Contact the Bureau and attend mediation within 60 days of the dismissal order |
| Employer fails 30 days to pay a settlement or order | File enforcement proceedings within 1 year after the default |
| PPD paid without an approved settlement | Extended 2 years from the last permanent partial disability payment |
| Before any hearing | A mediator must first issue a dispute certification notice |
Source: Tenn. Code § 50-6-203 (Justia).
When no benefits have been paid
If the employer has not paid workers' compensation benefits to or on behalf of the employee, the statute says the right to compensation is forever barred unless the notice required by § 50-6-201 is given to the employer and a petition for benefit determination is filed with the Bureau within one year after the accident resulting in injury. The notice step comes first, and it has its own short window: Tennessee workers generally have 15 days to report a job injury, and most employers then owe them a choice of three doctors.
When the employer has paid something
If the employer voluntarily paid benefits within a year of the accident, the clock moves. The petition must be filed within one year from the later of the date of the last authorized treatment or the time the employer ceased making compensation payments.
The statute also answers the question of which date counts. The issuing date of the last payment of compensation by the employer, not the date you received it, is the time the employer ceased making payments, and the employer or its insurer shall provide the date on request. If you are tracking a deadline, ask for that date in writing.
Extensions and special cases
- Incapacity. If physical or mental incapacity, other than minority, keeps the injured person or dependents from acting in time, the limitation period is extended for one year from the date the incapacity ceases.
- Death claims. Unless death benefits are settled or voluntarily paid, dependents must file a petition for benefit determination within one year after the date of the employee's death.
- Permanent partial disability paid without a settlement. If the employer paid PPD benefits trying to settle but no settlement was approved by a workers' compensation judge, the statute of limitations is extended for two years from the date of the last PPD payment.
- Unpaid settlements. If an employer fails for 30 days to pay compensation due under a settlement or determination, proceedings to obtain a judgment must be filed within one year after the default.
Mediation comes before a hearing
Under § 50-6-203(a), no request for a hearing by a workers' compensation judge, other than a request for settlement approval, may be filed until a workers' compensation mediator has issued a dispute certification notice. The Bureau's Mediation and Ombudsman Services of Tennessee (MOST) program administers a three-stage process to help resolve disputes between injured employees and an insurance adjuster or employer. For workers injured on or after July 1, 2014, the Bureau's mediation page directs them to file a Petition for Benefits Determination.
Skipping mediation has a cost. If the employee fails to appear and participate in scheduled alternative dispute resolution, a judge may dismiss the claim, and the dismissal becomes final and the claim forever barred unless the employee contacts the Bureau to schedule mediation and attends within 60 days after the order of dismissal.
Free help from the Bureau
Any party not represented by legal counsel may request the services of a workers' compensation Ombudsman by calling the Bureau's toll-free number, (800) 332-2667. An Ombudsman cannot provide legal advice, but can provide information on workers' compensation laws and the Bureau's policies, practices, procedures, and rules. The Bureau also says it is illegal for an employer to fire an employee for reporting a work injury.
For what benefits are worth once a claim is accepted, see Tennessee raised its workers’ comp weekly benefit caps for injuries on or after July 1, 2026. If a claim is unreasonably denied, attorney fees may come into play: Tennessee’s workers’ comp court can now award attorney fees when an employer unreasonably denies a claim.
For Tennessee employers
Deadlines run in both directions. Employers and their insurers are asked for payment dates, and they need accurate records of the issuing date of each check. Confirm your own coverage is active through the state's lookup: TDCI’s workers’ comp page says verify coverage online — a certificate may not warn you of cancellation.
This article is informational only and is not legal advice. It does not promise benefits, eligibility, or a particular result. Talk with a Tennessee workers' compensation attorney or the Bureau's Ombudsman about a specific claim.
Related reading from All Seasons
- Tennessee workers generally have 15 days to report a job injury, and most employers then owe them a choice of three doctors.
- Tennessee raised its workers’ comp weekly benefit caps for injuries on or after July 1, 2026.
- Tennessee’s workers’ comp court can now award attorney fees when an employer unreasonably denies a claim.
- Tennessee’s 2026 workers’ comp law lets ratings from more than one treating doctor count toward the 10% extraordinary-benefits requirement.
- TDCI’s workers’ comp page says verify coverage online — a certificate may not warn you of cancellation.
- Tennessee’s Uninsured Employers Fund caps benefits at $40,000 for workers hurt on the job without coverage.
Free policy review
All Seasons Insurance Group offers a free personal policy review. Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/. This article is informational only and does not promise coverage or eligibility; your policy forms control. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
How long do I have to file a workers' comp claim in Tennessee?
In most cases one year. The Bureau says the deadline is one year from the injury, or from the last temporary disability or medical benefits, whichever is latest.
What is a Petition for Benefit Determination?
It is the filing with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation that Tenn. Code 50-6-203 requires within the limitation period. Without it, the right to compensation can be forever barred.
Does the clock reset if my employer paid some benefits?
If the employer voluntarily paid benefits, the petition is due within one year from the later of the last authorized treatment or the last compensation payment.
Which date counts as the last payment?
The issuing date of the last payment, not the date you received it. The employer or its insurer must provide that date on request.
What is the deadline for a death claim?
Unless death benefits are settled or voluntarily paid, dependents must file a petition for benefit determination within one year after the employee's death.
What happens if I miss a scheduled mediation?
A judge may dismiss the claim. It becomes forever barred unless you contact the Bureau and attend mediation within 60 days after the dismissal order.
Where can I get free help?
Unrepresented parties can request a Bureau Ombudsman at (800) 332-2667. An Ombudsman cannot give legal advice but can explain the law and Bureau procedures.
How can All Seasons help after reading this?
Call 865-263-1400 or visit asigtn.com/get-a-quote/ for a free personal policy review. Informational only; no coverage promises. Seasons change. So should your coverage.
