Dragon v. Cheesecake Factory

In this workers' compensation case, the parties reached a lump-sum settlement and filed a verified release with the court using the process set out in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-139 (3) and (4) (Cum. Supp. 2016). The employer did not pay the amounts owed under the settlement within 30 days after the release was filed, and the employee moved for late payment penalties under § 48-139(4). The Workers' Compensation Court overruled the motion and dismissed the employee's petition with prejudice. The employee appealed.

While the case was pending on appeal, the Legislature amended the process for…