The Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims has ruled in favor of Erin Moore, an Amazon employee, ordering the company to pay medical and temporary disability benefits for a work-related shoulder injury. The case highlights the challenges Ms. Moore faced in obtaining benefits and has resulted in the court referring the matter to the Bureau’s Compliance Program for potential penalties against Amazon.
The Injury and Initial Hurdles
Ms. Moore’s job at Amazon involved repeatedly pushing heavy carts loaded with merchandise. The carts were tall, and the handles were positioned in a way that forced her to use her left arm to move them. On February 19, 2025, during her first shift, she began experiencing pain in her left shoulder. The pain intensified, leading her to request a transfer to another department.
Despite reporting the injury to her supervisors, Ms. Moore encountered difficulties in getting the injury recognized as work-related. Initially, a wellness center employee, Randolfo Ramos, reportedly told her that he couldn’t report it as a workers’ compensation injury unless she requested treatment. She was given some Biofreeze and sent back to work.
When she sought help the next day, she was told that no one was available to treat her. She was advised to take personal time off to see her own doctor, as Ms. Mary, a “shoe sort leader,” told her that Tennessee doesn’t really “do” workers’ compensation.
After returning to work, the pain worsened. Ms. Moore told her “dock manager,” Anthony, that her shoulder was “messed up” and she needed to see a doctor. She filled out an accident report, but Amazon did not provide additional medical care.
Obstacles to Medical Care and Treatment
Ms. Moore specifically requested a Choice of Physicians form from Amazon’s Safety Team Manager, Chris Brewer. However, she was told that her file had been closed because her injury was not work-related. She was then given a panel of doctors and chose Dr. Jeffrey Hazlewood.
Dr. Hazlewood brought up Mr. Ramos’s report which stated that her injury was not work-related. Despite Ms. Moore’s denial, Dr. Hazlewood mentioned a “gray area” and initially gave his opinion that her symptoms were work-related, placing her on restrictions.
Ms. Moore filed an “ethics complaint” against Mr. Ramos. She went back to Dr. Hazlewood, who recommended physical therapy and extended her restrictions. However, Amazon’s carrier denied Ms. Moore’s workers’ compensation claim and refused to authorize further medical treatment. As a result, Amazon would no longer accommodate her restrictions, and she could not return to work.
Ms. Moore continued to try to convince Amazon to change Mr. Ramos’s report, but it refused.
Seeking Independent Medical Care
Unable to obtain treatment through Amazon, Ms. Moore eventually sought her own medical care. She came under the care of Dr. Eric Maryniw, an orthopedist. Dr. Maryniw performed surgery to repair a glenoid labral tear in her left shoulder. She still requires physical therapy and remains on restricted duty.
Court’s Decision and Future Actions
After the expedited hearing, the court ruled in Ms. Moore’s favor. The court ordered Amazon to provide the benefits it had already agreed to. This included:
* Payment of $7,049.38 in past temporary disability benefits from February 25, 2025, through November 12, 2025.
* Continued biweekly payments until Ms. Moore reaches maximum medical improvement or is able to return to work.
* Authorization for Dr. Maryniw to provide reasonable and necessary medical treatment for her left-shoulder injury.
* Reimbursement for Ms. Moore and her health insurance carrier for past medical expenses.
* Authorization for the physical therapy recommended by Dr. Maryniw.
The court also took additional action:
* The court referred the case to the Bureau’s Compliance Program to determine if a penalty is warranted against Amazon.
* A status conference has been scheduled for January 22, 2026, to discuss the case’s progress.
Appeal Process
The court order also outlines the process for appealing the decision to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. The deadline for filing an appeal is within seven business days of the order’s filing date.
Implications
This case highlights the importance of employers’ cooperation in providing timely medical care and benefits to injured employees. It also underscores the potential consequences for employers who fail to properly handle workers’ compensation claims, including penalties and legal action.