Nelson v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

OPINION

ANDERSON, C.J.

We granted the motion to review this workers’ compensation case to clarify the circumstances under which a worker’s award limited by the provisions of Tenn, Code Ann. § 50-6-241 (1999) 1 may exceed the statutory caps pursuant to Tenn.Code Ann. § 50-6-242 (1999). 2 In resolving this issue, we also consider whether there was a “meaningful return to work” as contemplated by TenmCode Ann. § 50-6-241(a)(1).

At a bench trial in the Montgomery County Circuit Court, the parties stipulated a medical impairment rating of 8% to the body as a whole. The trial court determined that…