Catlett v. Indemnity Insurance Co. of North America

OPINION

WHITE, Justice.

The issue in this workers’ compensation appeal is whether an employer is entitled to recover funds paid to an employee and employee’s attorney in satisfaction of a judgment when that judgment is reversed on appeal. We hold that the employer is entitled to recover.

Plaintiff, the surviving spouse of William Catlett, sought workers’ compensation benefits from defendant as a result of her husband’s death from work-related asbestosis. The trial court awarded plaintiff $52,308.25 in medical expenses, $3,000 in funeral expenses, $1,659.50 as costs for procuring and presenting…