Late Notice of Settlement of Negligence Action to Workers’ Compensation Carrier Did Not Preclude Court-Approval of Settlement Pursuant to Workers’ Compensation Law

Plaintiff was struck by a car driven by defendant while she was taking a walk during a layover between work assignments for her employer.  She filed for workers’ compensation benefits.  And she sued the driver in a negligence action.  While the workers’ compensation proceeding was progressing plaintiff settled with the driver’s carrier.  Upon notice to the employer’s workers’ compensation carrier, the carrier refused to approve the settlement. Plaintiff then moved for court-approval of the settlement pursuant to the Workers’ Compensation Law.  Supreme Court granted the motion and the Third Department affirmed, noting:

When,  as here, court approval of a  settlement is not sought within three months of the date of settlement, a  plaintiff seeking a nunc pro tunc order must establish the reasonableness of the settlement, the lack of any  fault or neglect in applying for approval and the lack of any prejudice to the carrier … .   These determinations are directed to the discretion of the court … . Lindberg, et al, v Ross, et al, 515373, 3rd Dept 4-11-13

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