Branch, Chassidy v. Professional Care Services of West Tennessee, Inc.
This document outlines the right to appeal a Workers’ Compensation Order in Tennessee. It details a multi-step process for appellants, beginning with filing a 'Notice of Appeal' with the Clerk of the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims within thirty calendar days of the Order's filing date and serving a copy to the opposing party. Appellants must then pay a $75.00 filing fee or file an Affidavit of Indigency for a fee waiver within ten calendar days of filing the notice, with failure resulting in dismissal. The document also emphasizes the appellant's responsibility to ensure a complete record for appeal, including requesting an audio recording from the Court Clerk and filing a transcript prepared by a licensed court reporter, or a jointly prepared statement of evidence, within fifteen calendar days. The Workers’ Compensation Judge must approve the record before submission to the Appeals Board. A docketing notice is sent after the record is transmitted, granting parties fifteen calendar days to file a brief. If no timely appeal is filed, the trial court's Order becomes final after thirty days. Help from an Ombudsman is available for self-represented litigants.