Simanek v. Miehle-Goss-Dexter

This is an appeal from an order approving a third-party structured settlement in a worker’s compensation case. Because the approved disbursement procedure improperly applies sec. 102.29(1), Stats., we reverse the order and remand with directions to the trial court to restructure the settlement disbursements.

Robert F. Simanek (Simanek) lost all of the fingers on his right hand when he caught his hand in a printing machine at work. Transportation Insurance Company (Transportation), the employee’s worker’s compensation insurance carrier, has paid medical expenses and some disability payments. It…