When you are injured on the job, the clock starts ticking on your ability to file a workers’ compensation claim. Every state has a statute of limitations: a legal deadline by which you must take action, or risk losing your right to benefits for medical care, lost wages, and other serious impacts. But how long do you have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Tennessee?
Learn from the Knoxville workers’ compensation lawyers at The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto:
You Have One Year to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Tennessee
Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-203 requires you to file your workers’ compensation claim within one year of your workplace accident or injury. This deadline may seem prohibitively short, but it exists to protect both workers and employers.
For employers, the time limit makes sure that they won’t face unexpected claims years after an incident when evidence may have disappeared and memories have faded. For workers, the deadline encourages prompt reporting and treatment of injuries, which often leads to better medical outcomes.
The one-year countdown typically begins on the date of your accident. For sudden injuries—such as those from falls, machinery accidents, or lifting injuries—identifying this start date is quite straightforward. However, some workplace injuries develop gradually over time, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or back problems from repetitive motions. In these cases, the statute of limitations generally begins when you first become aware of the injury and its connection to your work.
Exceptions to the One-Year Filing Deadline
You may receive additional time to file your claim under certain circumstances. If your employer has already paid some workers’ compensation benefits—such as medical treatment or lost wages—the one-year deadline extends from the date of your last authorized treatment or compensation payment. This extension protects workers who receive initial benefits but later discover their injuries require additional care or compensation.
The deadline may also pause if your employer failed to properly inform you of your workers’ compensation rights or if they actively discouraged you from filing a claim. However, these exceptions are relatively rare.
What Happens If You Do Not File Your Claim on Time?
Missing the statute of limitations deadline typically means losing your right to receive any workers’ compensation benefits permanently. This is true even if you have a legitimate claim. Without these benefits, you may face overwhelming medical bills and lost income with no legal recourse to recover compensation.
Working with a Tennessee workers’ compensation attorney can help you meet all filing deadlines and properly document your claim. A lawyer can identify the correct start date for your statute of limitations, assess circumstances that might extend your deadline, and protect your rights throughout the claims process.
Take Action Now—Speak to a Knoxville Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Time is critical in workers’ compensation cases, and waiting too long could permanently bar you from receiving the benefits you deserve. Do not risk losing your right to compensation. The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto can help file your claim properly and on time. Take the first step toward securing your benefits—contact us at (865) 691-2777 for a free case evaluation.