Notice of contraction of disease and claim for compensation

(a) Within thirty (30) days after the first distinct manifestation of an occupational disease, the employee, or someone in the employee's behalf, shall give written notice thereof to the employer in the same manner as is provided in the case of a compensable accidental injury. (b) This section shall not apply to claims for total disability or death due to or resulting from an asbestos-related disease or coal worker's pneumoconiosis. Acts 1947, ch. 139, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 6852; Acts 1971, ch. 300, § 6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 50-1107; Acts 1997, ch. 177, § 1. (a) Within thirty (30) days after the first distinct manifestation of an occupational disease, the employee, or someone in the employee's behalf, shall give written notice thereof to the employer in the same manner as is provided in the case of a compensable accidental injury. (b) This section shall not apply to claims for total disability or death due to or resulting from an asbestos-related disease or coal worker's pneumoconiosis. Acts 1947, ch. 139, § 1; C. Supp. 1950, § 6852; Acts 1971, ch. 300, § 6; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 50-1107; Acts 1997, ch. 177, § 1.