SHERWOOD, JEFFERY v. JUSTWORKS EMPLOYMENT

2026 TN WC 1

• Court: Tennessee Court of Workers' Compensation Claims
• Decided: January 5, 2026
• Docket: 2022-03-0486
• Status: Published

Opinion

FILED Jan 05, 2026 10:03 AM(ET} TENNESSEE COURT OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS

TENNESSEE BUREAU OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION IN THE COURT OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION CLAIMS AT KNOXVILLE

JEFFERY SHERWOOD, ) Docket No. 2022-03-0486 Employee, ) v. ) JUSTWORKS EMPLOYMENT ) GROUP, ) State File No. 15368-2020 Employer, ) And ) AMERICAN ZURICH INSURANCE ) COMPANY, ) Judge Pamela B. Johnson Carrier. )

COMPENSATION ORDER

Jeffery Sherwood was injured at work, and Justworks accepted the claim. The parties settled with open medical benefits. Mr. Sherwood now seeks a change of physician, lost wages, and various other damages and penalties. Justworks denied any liability and moved for summary judgment. For the reasons below, the Court holds that Mr. Sherwood is not entitled to the requested benefits.

History of Claim

Mr. Sherwood injured his left shoulder and both elbows in a fall from a scooter at work on January 28, 2020. Justworks accepted the claim and paid medical and temporary benefits. Mr. Sherwood treated with Dr. Robert Smith, who placed Mr. Sherwood at maximum medical improvement on April 29, 2021, with 5% permanent medical impairment. The Court approved a settlement for permanent disability and open future medical benefits in August 2022.

After the settlement, Mr. Sherwood underwent surgery by Dr. Smith in August 2024 and was taken off work.

In May 2025, Mr. Sherwood filed a petition for benefit determination alleging that Justworks denied treatment by refusing his request for a new panel of orthopedic specialists