Request Workers' Compensation Claim Records

Use this form to request records from the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. You may request your own claim records, claim records for a party you represent, or Bureau records that are open to the public. Requirements vary depending on the type of records you request. Read the information below before you begin.

We do not accept record requests by phone.

Submit a Records Request

Requests We Cannot Process

Do not use this form for:

Medical records, medical bills, treatment notes, doctors' reports, or test results. The Bureau cannot provide these records through this form. Contact the doctor, hospital, or other medical provider that created them.
Federal workers' compensation claims. Use the U.S. Department of Labor ECOMP website for federal claim information. Visit ecomp.dol.gov

Before you submit

What you need depends on the type of records you request. You may need:

A valid photo ID to verify your identity. If you are requesting records open to the public, you may also need proof that you are a Tennessee citizen.
A clear description of the records you are requesting
Names, dates, claim or state file numbers, employer information, and date ranges that can help staff find the records
For another person's records, a signed and notarized authorization, subpoena, or court order. This does not apply to an attorney for a party in the claim.
A reason and supporting documents if you plan to ask for a fee waiver

Records Request FAQs

Select a topic below for more information.

1. Who may request records?

Tennessee citizens have the right to inspect or receive copies of public records. Some records are private and cannot be released to the public.

Proof of Tennessee Citizenship: For a records request, upload a clear copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. An ID with your Tennessee address is the clearest proof. The Bureau may request additional proof if your ID does not show a Tennessee address.

Requests from Outside Tennessee: The Tennessee Public Records Act gives this right to Tennessee citizens. The Bureau may give records to someone from another state, but the law does not require it. This rule does not prevent you from requesting your own claim records. It also does not prevent you from requesting records for a party you represent.

Attorneys for a Party in the Claim: If you are an attorney for the employee or employer in the claim, you do not need a separate notarized authorization to request records for that party. The Bureau may ask for proof that you represent the party.

Requests for Another Person: Are you asking for another person's private records? If you are not that person's attorney in the claim, upload a signed and notarized authorization, subpoena, or court order. The document must show that you have the right to receive the records.

2. How do I submit a request?

Use the online Records Request Form. Requests for copies must be in writing. If you cannot use the online form, email or mail a written request to the Records Custodian. The online form is the preferred and fastest method.

You may call the Records Custodian for help. You may also ask by phone to inspect records. That request does not have to be in writing, however a request for copies must be in writing.

Information Needed to Find Records

Describe the records clearly so staff can identify them. For claim records, give as much of the following information as you know:

The injured worker's full name and any other names used
Date of birth and the last four digits of the Social Security number
Date of injury, if known
Claim number or state file number, if known
Employer name and address
A clear date range
A plain description of each record you need

We will review your request, verify your identity or Tennessee citizenship when required, and may ask for additional information or provide a cost estimate before processing your request. We will then provide the records, notify you if more time is needed, or deny the request in writing.

3. What kinds of records may I request?

Your Own Workers' Compensation Claim Records

Select 'Injured worker/employee - requesting own records' and provide as much claim information as you know. The Bureau does not charge you for copies of your own workers' compensation records.

The Bureau does not release medical records, even if you provide an authorization. You must ask the doctor, hospital, or other medical provider that created the records.

A First Report of Injury is not open to the public. The Bureau may release it only when allowed by law, including after it receives a properly completed authorization.

Employer Insurance Coverage

To request employer insurance records, provide the employer's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Only the following information is public:

Employer name and business address
Insurance carrier name and business address
Policy number
Policy effective and expiration dates
Policy cancellation and reinstatement dates
Other policy information is private and will not be released

Mediation Records

Most information created or received during mediation is private. The Bureau does not release private statements or a mediator's handwritten notes. It also does not release information meant only for the mediator, medical records, or claim forms protected by law.

Workers' Compensation Court Records

The public may inspect many court and Appeals Board records. Records are not public if they are sealed or covered by a protective order. The law or a court rule may also protect a record. Draft orders, judges' notes, internal case-management information, and other records used by judges to make decisions are not public records.

Uninsured Employers Fund and Misclassification Files

After the Bureau makes a decision about a named employer, the employer or its attorney may ask to review the materials used to make that decision. An employer still under investigation may inspect or receive a copy of its file after the Bureau receives the required authorization.

Confidential Information and Redactions

Before releasing a record, the Bureau will redact or remove information protected by law. You may receive a record with words, sections, or pages redacted.

4. How do I receive the records?

Email is usually the fastest and preferred choice. You may also ask for copies by mail or pick them up.

You may ask to inspect records at a Bureau office. There is no charge to inspect open public records. You need an appointment, and a staff member may stay with you during the inspection. You may use your own equipment to photograph the records.

Response Time: The Bureau will provide records as soon as it reasonably can. If it cannot provide them promptly, it will respond within seven business days. The response will provide the records, deny the request in writing and explain why, or state how much more time is needed.

Reasons for Delays: A request may take longer if it covers many records or needs legal review. It may also take longer if private information must be removed or the request lacks detail. The Bureau may ask you to narrow the request or give more information. Large requests may be provided in parts.

Reasons a Request May Be Denied: The Bureau may deny a request if you do not provide required identification, the request does not describe the records clearly enough, the Bureau does not maintain the records, or the law prevents their release. If the request is denied, you will receive the reason in writing.

5. Is there a fee for this service?

Not usually when requesting a copy of your own records. If fees apply, the Bureau will give you an estimate. The Bureau may require payment before it releases the records. This may happen if the cost or the unpaid balance exceeds $100.

Fees may include paper copies and staff time after the first hour. They may also include postage, delivery, storage devices, vendor charges, or the cost to get archived records. Charges follow the current Office of Open Records Counsel Schedule of Reasonable Charges.

In the request form, you can ask for a fee waiver before the Bureau completes your request. On the form, explain why the Bureau should waive the fees and include any documents that support your request.

There is no charge to inspect open records in person.

You may pay by credit card, check, or money order payable to the State of Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Cash is not accepted.

Contact the Records Custodian

Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation
220 French Landing Drive, 1-B
Nashville, TN 37243
Email: wc.records@tn.gov
Phone: 800-332-2667