Workers' Comp Settlements in Tennessee

Yes. A settlement is not final until all parties sign the agreement and a workers' compensation judge approves it. At the approval hearing, the judge decides whether the worker is receiving substantially the benefits provided by Tennessee's workers' compensation law, reviews the worker's rights (including the right to future medical care and what happens if that right is given up), and asks whether the worker wants the settlement approved. If the claim is disputed, the judge instead decides whether the settlement is in the worker's best interest. A settlement may leave future medical care open or close it.

Temporary total disability is paid until the worker reaches maximum medical improvement or returns to work, or for 450 weeks, whichever is shorter. Temporary partial disability is paid until maximum medical improvement or for 450 weeks, whichever is shorter. For permanent partial disability, all injuries are valued against a total of 450 weeks; the initial compensation period is 450 weeks times the impairment rating, or, for injuries on or after June 22, 2020, 180 days after maximum medical improvement if that is later. Increased benefits may be available at the end of that period, and in extraordinary cases a judge may award more, up to 275 weeks. Permanent total disability is paid until the worker becomes eligible for Social Security old-age retirement; if the injury happened within five years of full retirement eligibility, it is paid for 260 weeks.