How Long Can I Stay on Workers’ Compensation in Tennessee?

Workplace injuries happen all the time in Tennessee, and they occur across all industries. The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development reported 164 fatal workplace accidents and 64,000 non-fatal workplace accidents (including government employees) in 2023. In many of those cases, workers’ compensation came into play.

If you have been injured on the job in Tennessee, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the biggest is this: How long can someone be on workers’ comp?

The short answer is that it depends (on your injury, your recovery timeline, and how your case unfolds).

Workers’ compensation is meant to give you breathing room while you heal, but it does not last forever, and it does not cover 100% of your lost income. And if you are relying on those checks to pay your bills and support your family, it is important to understand what to expect, how long it takes to start getting benefits, and how long those benefits might last.

How workers’ compensation works in Tennessee

Tennessee workers’ comp provides benefits to employees who experience work-related injuries or illnesses that range from slip-and-fall accidents to machinery-related accidents. These benefits usually include:

• Medical care for your injury
• Temporary disability payments if you cannot work
• Permanent disability compensation if you have lasting impairments
• Death benefits for surviving family members

You do not have to prove fault. If you were hurt while doing your job, you are likely covered, as long as you follow the rules and notify your employer promptly.

How long does it take to receive workers’ comp?

In Tennessee, there is a short waiting period before your wage replacement benefits begin.

Here is how it works:

• You must be off work for seven consecutive days before benefits kick in.
• If your disability lasts more than 14 days, you will be paid retroactively for those first seven
• Payments usually start within a few weeks of the injury, depending on how quickly the claim is filed and approved (the longer it takes to file and get approved, the longer you have to wait).

So, if you are wondering how long does it take to receive workers’ comp, the answer is: usually within two to three weeks, though delays can happen if there are disputes or missing paperwork.

How long does workers’ comp last in Tennessee?

The duration of workers’ comp benefits depends on a few things, like the type and severity of your injury. Tennessee classifies workers’ comp benefits into several categories, each with different timelines.

1. Temporary total disability (TTD)

If your injury completely prevents you from working for a limited time, you will receive TTD benefits.

• Payment amount: 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage (up to the state maximum).
• Duration: As long as your doctor says you cannot work, up to 450 weeks in most cases. TTD continues until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or return to work, rather than being subject to the 450-week cap

TTD ends when:

• You return to work.
• Your doctor says you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI).
• You are no longer considered totally disabled.

2. Temporary partial disability (TPD)

If you can return to work in a reduced capacity (fewer hours or lighter duties, for example), you may receive TPD to make up for lost wages.

• Duration: Varies based on how long your reduced capacity lasts, up to 450 weeks.
• Ends when: You recover, return to full-time work, or reach MMI.

3. Permanent partial disability (PPD)

If you suffer lasting impairment but can still work in some capacity, you may receive PPD benefits.

The number of weeks you are paid depends on:

• The injured body part
• The percentage of impairment
• Whether you returned to work with your pre-injury employer
• The maximum benefit period is generally 450 weeks

4. Permanent total disability (PTD)

If your injuries are so severe that you can never return to any kind of work, you may qualify for PTD benefits.

• Duration: You may receive benefits until retirement age (as defined by the Social Security Act), typically around age 65 to 67.
• These cases are rare and often require extensive medical and legal documentation.

What happens when you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)?

MMI means your doctor believes your condition is as good as it is going to get, even if you are still not 100%.

Once you reach MMI:

• Your temporary benefits stop.
• You may be evaluated for permanent disability.
• A percentage of impairment will be assigned based on AMA guidelines.
• That impairment rating helps determine how long your permanent benefits last.

This is an important point in your workers’ comp claim, and it is when many disputes arise. That is why it is important to have a lawyer on your side to protect your rights.

Can workers’ comp be cut off early?

Yes, and it happens more often than you would think. Here are a few reasons your benefits might be stopped before you are ready:

• The insurance company claims you are no longer disabled.
• A doctor says you are fit to return to work (even if you disagree).
• You refuse light-duty work offered by your employer.
• You miss medical appointments or fail to follow treatment plans.
• You return to work and start earning your normal wage.

If your workers’ comp benefits are suddenly terminated and you believe it is unfair, you have the right to file a dispute with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, and you should speak with an experienced attorney immediately.

What if I cannot return to work at all?

If your injuries are so serious that you cannot go back to any type of job, even a desk job or modified duty, you may be considered permanently totally disabled.

In Tennessee, that means you may be entitled to:

• Wage replacement benefits until retirement age.
• Lifetime medical coverage for your work-related injury.
• Potential vocational rehabilitation services to help retrain you (if applicable).

Can you settle a Tennessee workers’ comp claim?

Yes, many injured workers in Tennessee choose to settle their claims rather than stay on workers’ comp for years. A settlement may include:

• A lump sum payment or structured payments.
• Compensation for your permanent disability.
• Medical benefits (sometimes ongoing, sometimes closed).
• The end of weekly wage payments and future claims.

Before accepting a settlement, it is important to consult a lawyer. Once you sign, you may lose your right to future benefits, even if your condition gets worse later.

Do not leave time or money on the table

If you are asking how long can I stay on workers’ compensation, a better question might be: Are you getting everything you are entitled to?

Injured workers often face pressure from insurance adjusters and employers to return to work too soon or accept lowball settlements. But Tennessee law is on your side if you know how to use it.

Talk to a Tennessee workers’ compensation lawyer today

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we know how hard it is to recover from a workplace injury while wondering how you will pay your bills. You should not have to navigate confusing paperwork or fight the insurance company alone.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights, what you need to protect your benefits, and plan for what comes next. We have offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro to better serve you.