The opinion
FILED
Oct 02, 2019
10:56 AM(ET)
TENNESSEE COURT OF
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
CLAIMS
TENNESSEE BUREAU OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
IN THE COURT OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CLAIMS
AT CHATTANOOGA
Meagan Mueller-Rice, Docket No.: 2017-01-0750
Employee,
V.
MEDATAG, Inc. d/b/a Poblanos
Mexican Cuisine,
' Uninsured Employer.
)
)
) State File No.: 82287-2017
)
) Judge Audrey Headrick
)
AMENDED EXPEDITED HEARING ORDER
(DECISION ON THE RECORD)
This case came before the Court on Meagan Mueller-Rice’s Request for an
Expedited Hearing on the record.! The issue is whether Ms. Mueller-Rice is likely to
establish at trial that she is entitled to medical and temporary disability benefits for the
knee injuries sustained when she tripped over the leash of a customer’s dog.
MEDATAG, Inc. d/b/a Poblanos Mexican Cuisine (Poblanos) did not respond to Ms.
Mueller-Rice’s request for benefits. For the reasons below, the Court awards medical
benefits but denies her claim for temporary disability benefits.
History of Claim
While working as a server at Poblanos on September 30, 2017, Ms. Mueller-Rice,
a Tennessee resident, injured her knees when she tripped and fell over the leash of a
customer’s dog.” Ms. Mueller-Rice notified manager Sabrina Holbrook of her injuries
and left work to seek emergency treatment. The provider took Ms. Mueller off work for
four days and referred her to see Dr. Thomas Brown, III, an orthopedist.
* The Court issued a docketing notice allowing the parties until May 29 to file objections or submit
position statements. Poblanos did not request an evidentiary hearing, and the Court determined it needed
no additional evidence to decide the issues.
? Poblanos allowed dogs on the premises.
Text messages between Ms. Mueller-Rice and Ms. Holbrook show that she
attempted to prompt Ms. Holbrook to file a claim and provide her with the carrier’s
information. Although Ms. Holbrook advised her of information needed by insurance to
“start [her] file,” she ultimately referred her to Irma Hyde, a Poblanos’ shareholder. Ms.
Hyde informed Ms. Mueller-Rice by text that she did not “work enough hours to qualify
for [workers’ compensation] insurance so [her] agent [was] looking into a different
option.”
Ms. Mueller-Rice returned to the emergency room on October 9 and was taken off
work until she followed up with an orthopedist. Ms. Mueller-Rice then filed a Petition
for Benefit Determination on October 23, 2017. The Bureau’s compliance section
investigated and prepared an Expedited Request for Investigation Report, noting that
Poblanos admitted it was uninsured at the time of Ms. Mueller-Rice’s September 30,
2017 injury, and that it did not dispute the work injury.
Ms. Mueller-Rice saw Dr. Brown on November 29 for ongoing left-knee pain. He
ordered an MRI, which showed a contusion and some edema, and he ordered physical
therapy. Ms. Mueller-Rice last saw Dr. Brown on February 14, 2018, when he released
her to return as needed.
With the exception of payment for a physical therapy visit and a portion of the
MRI bill, Poblanos did not provide Ms. Mueller-Rice with any medical or temporary
disability benefits. Ms. Mueller-Rice requested payment of her medical bills as well as
temporary disability benefits.
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Standard Applied
To prevail at an expedited hearing, Ms. Mueller-Rice must present sufficient
evidence to prove she is likely to prevail at a hearing on the merits. See Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 50-6-239(d)(1) (2018). The Court holds she would likely prevail in her claim for
medical benefits but not temporary disability benefits.
Medical Benefits
Under the Workers’ Compensation Law, an employer must “furnish, free of
charge to the employee, such medical and surgical treatment . . . made reasonably
necessary by accident[.]” Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-204(a). To receive benefits, Ms.
Mueller-Rice must show, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, that the September
30, 2017 incident “contributed more than fifty percent (50%) in causing the...
disablement or need for medical treatment, considering all causes.” Tenn. Code Ann. §
50-6-102(14).
Here, the evidence is sufficient to show that the fall over a dog’s leash caused Ms.
Mueller-Rice’s September 30 work injury and need for medical treatment. The Court
notes that the Dispute Certification Notice does not list compensability as a disputed
issue, and it is unclear whether Poblanos participated in mediation. Based on the
evidence, Poblanos must pay for Ms. Mueller-Rice’s past and ongoing medical treatment
for the work injury.
Temporary Disability Benefits
Ms. Mueller-Rice also requested temporary disability benefits. There are two
kinds: temporary total and temporary partial. To receive temporary total disability (TTD)
benefits, Ms. Mueller-Rice must prove (1) she became disabled from working due to a
compensable injury; (2) a causal connection exists between the injury and her inability to
work; and (3) she established the duration of her disability. Jones v. Crencor Leasing
and Sales, TN Wrk. Comp. App. Bd. LEXIS 48, at *7 (Dec. 11, 2015). Concerning
temporary partial disability benefits, Ms. Mueller-Rice is eligible for benefits if she
earned less than her average weekly wage due to work restrictions. See Tenn. Code Ann.
§ 50-6-207(2)(A).
Here, Ms. Mueller-Rice might be entitled to past temporary disability benefits.
However, the parties submitted no proof of her wages. Due to this lack of evidence, the
Court must deny her request for temporary disability benefits at this time.
Penalty Unit Referral
The Penalty Program is specifically authorized to assess penalties under the
Workers’ Compensation Law as well as the General Rules of the Workers’ Compensation
Program. The Court finds that Poblanos is subject to possible penalty assessments under
Tennessee Code Annotated section 501-6-118 for the following:
e Failure to have workers’ compensation coverage;
Bad-faith denial of Ms. Mueller-Rice’s claim;
e Failure to file a First Report of Work Injury, a Notice of Controversy, or a
Notice of Denial of Claim;
e Failure to timely provide medical treatment; and,
e Failure to timely provide a panel of physicians.
Therefore, the Court refers this matter to the Compliance Program for consideration of
these and any other applicable penalties.
Payment of Benefits
Poblanos must provide medical benefits. However, since it did not have workers’
compensation insurance at the time of the injury, the Uninsured Employers Fund has
discretion to pay limited medical expenses if certain criteria are met. (See attached
Benefits Request Form.) Ms. Mueller-Rice must establish, through her testimony,
medical records, and the Bureau’s Compliance report, that she has proved or is likely to
prove that she: 1) worked for an uninsured employer; 2) suffered an injury arising
primarily in the course and scope of employment on or after July 1, 2015; 3) was a
Tennessee resident on the date of injury; 4) provided notice to the Bureau of the injury
and of the employer’s lack of coverage within sixty days of the injury; and, 5) secured a
judgment for workers’ compensation benefits against Poblanos for the injury. Tenn.
Code Ann. § 50-6-801(d)(1)-(5).
The Court finds that Ms. Mueller-Rice worked for an uninsured employer,
Poblanos, and that she is likely to prevail at a hearing on the merits that she suffered an
injury arising primarily from employment on September 30, 2017. She was a Tennessee
resident on that date, and she provided notice to the Bureau within sixty days of her
injury and of Poblanos lack of coverage. This order serves as a judgment for benefits.
Ms. Mueller-Rice satisfied all of the requirements of section 50-6-801(d).
IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED as follows:
1. The Court denies Ms. Mueller-Rice’s request for temporary disability benefits at
this time.
2. Dr. Thomas W. Brown, III shall be the authorized treating physician. Poblanos
shall provide Ms. Mueller-Rice with ongoing medical treatment for her September
30, 2017 work injury under Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-204. Further,
upon presentment of bills by Ms. Mueller-Rice or her treating providers, Poblanos
shall pay all past medical expenses incurred for treatment of her work-related
injury by, or upon the direction of, the following: 1) Memorial Hospital; 2)
Chattanooga Emergency Med, PLLC; 3) Diagnostic Imaging Consultants; 4)
Thomas W. Brown, III, M.D.; 5) Chattanooga Outpatient Center; and, (6)
Benchmark Physical Therapy.
3. This case is set for a Status Hearing on Friday, October 18, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.
Eastern Time. The parties must call (423) 634-0164 or toll-free at (855) 383-0001
to participate. Failure to call may result in a determination of the issues without
your participation.
4. The Court refers this matter to the Compliance Program for consideration of the
imposition of penalties.
5. Unless interlocutory appeal of the Expedited Hearing Order is filed, compliance
with this Order must occur no later than seven business days from the date of entry
of this Order as required by Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-239(d)(3).
The Self-Insured Employer must submit confirmation of compliance with this
Order to the Bureau by email to WCCompliance.Program@tn.gov no later than
the seventh business day after entry of this Order. Failure to submit the necessary
confirmation within the period of compliance may result in a penalty assessment
for non-compliance.
6. For questions regarding compliance, please contact the Workers’ Compensation
Compliance Unit via email at WCCompliance.Program(@tn.gov.
ENTERED October 2, 2019.
(Yas Ay LGN, ho ead gp A OA
AUDREY A) HEADRICK
Workers’ Compensation Judge
APPENDIX
Exhibits:
—
Affidavit of Meagan Mueller-Rice
Expedited Request for Investigation Report
Billing statements:
Benchmark PT
Chattanooga Outpatient Center
Memorial Hospital of Chattanooga
Chattanooga Emergency Med, PLLC
Diagnostic Imaging Consultants
Thomas W. Brown, III, M.D., P.C./Chattanooga Sports Medicine &
Orthopedics
4. Secretary of State Filing Information
5. Text messages between Ms. Mueller-Rice and Sabrina Holbrook, manager,
September 30, 2017, to October 9, 2017
6. Medical records of Memorial Hospital
7. Medical records of Dr. Brown
Wn
mo ee oP
Technical record:
1. Petition for Benefit Determination
Expedited Request for Investigation Report
Dispute Certification Notice
Show Cause Order
Order on Show Cause Hearing
Request for Expedited Hearing
Docketing Notice
pt oe ee be
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a copy of this Expedited Hearing Order was sent as indicated below on
October 2, 2019.
Name Certified | Email | Service sent to:
Meagan Mueller-Rice, xX x meganmueller@gmail.com
Employee 809 Central Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Poblanos, Xx x i.hyde@hotmail.com
Uninsured Employer Poblanos Mexican Cuisine
Attn: Irma Hyde
551 River Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405
Amanda Terry, xX WCCompliance.program@tn.gov
Compliance Program Amanda.terry(@tn.gov
LaShawn Pender x lashawn.pender@tn.gov
Pong.) ae” bloomers
PENNY SHRUM, COURT CLERK
we.courtclerk@tn.gov
Expedited Hearing Order Right to Appeal:
If you disagree with this Expedited Hearing Order, you may appeal to the Workers’
Compensation Appeals Board. To appeal an expedited hearing order, you must:
|. Complete the enclosed form entitled: “Expedited Hearing Notice of Appeal,” and file the
form with the Clerk of the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims within seven
business days of the date the expedited hearing order was filed. When filing the Notice
of Appeal, you must serve a copy upon all parties.
2. You must pay, via check, money order, or credit card, a $75.00 filing fee within ten
calendar days after filing of the Notice of Appeal. Payments can be made in-person at
any Bureau office or by U.S. mail, hand-delivery, or other delivery service. In the
alternative, you may file an Affidavit of Indigency (form available on the Bureau’s
website or any Bureau office) seeking a waiver of the fee. You must file the fully-
completed Affidavit of Indigency within ten calendar days of filing the Notice of
Appeal. Failure to timely pay the filing fee or file the Affidavit of Indigency will
result in dismissal of the appeal.
3. You bear the responsibility of ensuring a complete record on appeal. You may request
from the court clerk the audio recording of the hearing for a $25.00 fee. If a transcript of
the proceedings is to be filed, a licensed court reporter must prepare the transcript and file
it with the court clerk within ten business days of the filing the Notice of
Appeal. Alternatively, you may file a statement of the evidence prepared jointly by both
parties within ten business days of the filing of the Notice of Appeal. The statement of
the evidence must convey a complete and accurate account of the hearing. The Workers’
Compensation Judge must approve the statement before the record is submitted to the
Appeals Board. If the Appeals Board is called upon to review testimony or other proof
concerning factual matters, the absence of a transcript or statement of the evidence can be
a significant obstacle to meaningful appellate review.
4. If you wish to file a position statement, you must file it with the court clerk within ten
business days after the deadline to file a transcript or statement of the evidence. The
party opposing the appeal may file a response with the court clerk within ten business
days after you file your position statement. All position statements should include: (1) a
statement summarizing the facts of the case from the evidence admitted during the
expedited hearing; (2) a statement summarizing the disposition of the case as a result of
the expedited hearing; (3) a statement of the issue(s) presented for review; and (4) an
argument, citing appropriate statutes, case law, or other authority.
For self-represented litigants: Help from an Ombudsman is available at 800-332-2667.
i i
"ag AE
EXPEDITED HEARING NOTICE OF APPEAL
Tennessee Division of Workers’ Compensation
www.tn.gov/labor-wfd/weomp.shtml
wc.courtclerk@tn.gov
1-800-332-2667
Docket #:
State File #/YR:
Employee
V.
Employer
Notice
Notice is given that
[List name(s) of all appealing party(ies) on separate sheet if necessary]
appeals the order(s) of the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims at
to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals
Board. [List the date(s) the order(s) was filed in the court clerk’s office]
Judge
Statement of the Issues
Provide a short and plain statement of the issues on appeal or basis for relief on appeal:
Additional Information
Type of Case [Check the most appropriate item]
L] Temporary disability benefits
L] Medical benefits for current injury
L] Medical benefits under prior order issued by the Court
List of Parties
Appellant (Requesting Party): At Hearing: [JEmployer LiEmployee
Address:
Party’s Phone: Email:
Attorney’s Name: BPR#:
Attorney’s Address: Phone:
Attorney's City, State & Zip code:
Attorney’s Email:
* Attach an additional sheet for each additional Appellant *
LB-1099 rev. 10/18 Page 1 of 2 RDA 11082
Employee Name: SF#: DOI:
Appellee(s)
Appellee (Opposing Party). SS Att Hearing: Employer (Employee
Appellee’s Address:
Appellee’s Phone: Email:
Attorney's Name: BPR#:
Attorney’s Address: Phone:
Attorney’s City, State & Zip code:
Attorney’s Email:
* Attach an additional sheet for each additional Appellee *
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
IL, , certify that | have forwarded a true and exact copy of this
Expedited Hearing Notice of Appeal by First Class, United States Mail, postage prepaid, to all parties
and/or their attorneys in this case in accordance with Rule 0800-02-22.01(2) of the Tennessee Rules
of Board of Workers’ Compensation Appeals on this the day of , 20
[Signature of appellant or attorney for appellant]
LB-1099 rev. 10/18 Page 2 of 2 RDA 11082
Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
220 French Landing Drive, |-B
Nashville, TN 37243-1002
800-332-2667
AFFIDAVIT OF INDIGENCY
1, , having been duly sworn according to law, make oath that
because of my poverty, | am unable to bear the costs of this appeal and request that the filing fee to appeal be
waived. The following facts support my poverty.
1. Full Name: 2. Address:
3. Telephone Number: 4. Date of Birth:
5. Names and Ages of All Dependents:
Relationship:
Relationship:
Relationship:
Relationship:
»
. lam employed by:
My employer's address is:
My employer’s phone number is:
“I
. My present monthly household income, after federal income and social security taxes are deducted, is:
8. | receive or expect to receive money from the following sources:
AFDC $ per month beginning
SSI $ per month beginning
Retirement $ per month beginning
Disability $ per month beginning
Unemployment $ per month beginning
Worker's Comp.$ per month beginning
Other $ per month beginning
LB-1108 (REV 11/15) RDA 11082
9, My expenses are:
Rent/House Payment $ permonth Medical/Dental $. per month
Groceries $ per month Telephone $ per month
Electricity $ per month School Supplies $ per month
Water $ per month Clothing $ per month
Gas $ per month Child Care $ per month
Transportation $ per month Child Support $ per month
Car $ per month
Other $ per month (describe: )
10. Assets:
Automobile $ (FMV)
Checking/Savings Acct. $.
House $ (FMV)
Other $ Describe:
11. My debts are:
Amount Owed To Whom
I hereby declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing answers are true, correct, and complete
and that | am financially unable to pay the costs of this appeal.
APPELLANT
Sworn and subscribed before me, a notary public, this
day of »20
NOTARY PUBLIC
My Commission Expires:
LB-1108 (REV 11/15) RDA 11082