Smith v. CHAMPION TRUCKING CO., INC.

BOEHM, Justice.

We hold that under Indiana's Worker's Compensation Act, an employer's worker's compensation liability for an employee's benefits terminates if the employee settles a claim against a third party for the same injury without first obtaining the employer's consent to the settlement. The Board's decision dismissing Smith's Application for Adjustment of Claim is affirmed.

Facts and Procedural History

In August 2003, Jimmie Smith, a truck driver employed by Champion Trucking Co., was injured in an Ohio accident with a third-party motorist. Smith's initial medical expenses in the amount…