The Holland Group v. Audrey Sotherland, et al.

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’  Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for a hearing and a report of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The employee filed a Request for Assistance with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (“Department”), seeking medical treatment and temporary disability benefits for an alleged work injury. The Department ordered that treatment be provided and benefits paid. The employer filed this civil action in the Chancery Court of Bedford County against the employee and the Second Injury Fund (“Fund”). Subsequently, the Department ordered the termination of disability benefits. The employee filed her answer and a counterclaim against the employer. The Fund filed a motion for summary judgment, contending that the trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction  because the parties had not exhausted the benefit review process. The trial court granted the motion and dismissed the action. The employee has appealed. We conclude tha