The Tennessee Legislature passed comprehensive Workers’ Compensation reform legislation in 2013 that went into effect in 2014. The reform created a new, administrative Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims within the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. The Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims adjudicates disputed claims if the date of injury is on or after July 1, 2014. Our mission is to provide a fair, efficient, and professional system to employees and employers that will promote economic prosperity for all Tennesseans. Our vision is to operate the best workers’ compensation system in the Southeast. We operate with core values: unimpeachable ethics, honesty, superior customer service, devotion to the pursuit of excellence, impartiality, fairness, integrity and efficiency.
Standing Order on Settlement Approvals for Residents of Montgomery, Stewart and Houston CountiesEffective March 1, 2023, requests for settlement approval for residents of these counties must be presented at the Montgomery County Courthouse and may not be presented in Nashville.
Workers’ Compensation Judges appointed by the Administrator of the Bureau preside over courtrooms in each of the Bureau's area offices. The judges are:
Brian Addington
Gray
Pamela Johnson
Knoxville
Shaterra R. Marion
Memphis
Joshua Baker
Nashville
Lisa Lowe
Knoxville
Ken Switzer, Chief Judge
Nashville
Robert Durham
Cookeville
Amber Luttrell
Jackson & Memphis
Dale Tipps
Murfreesboro
Audrey Headrick
Chattanooga
Allen Phillips
Jackson & Memphis
Thomas Wyatt
Chattanooga