Worker's Unrelated Death Doesn't Allow Employer, Carrier to Avoid Settlement Agreement

The South Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that an employer and an insurance carrier could not back out of a settlement agreement just because the worker died before the agreement was filed with the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Case: Ex Parte Horne, No. 5929, 08/03/2022, published. Facts and procedural history: Gus King suffered injuries while working for Pierside Boatworks in November 2011. In May 2014, the Workers’ Compensation Commission awarded King permanent and total disability benefits, which were paid in a lump sum, and medical benefits for the rest of his life. In ...