CompFox AI Summary
The Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel reviewed a case where Donna Barber (Harlow) sought death benefits after her ex-husband, Gary Harlow, died from a work injury. Despite a 'remarriage' ceremony, they lacked a marriage license and knew of this deficiency for years. The trial court initially found Ms. Harlow a 'lawful wife' and awarded lump-sum death benefits. However, the appellate panel reversed, ruling that Ms. Harlow was not a surviving spouse under Tennessee's workers' compensation law due to the deliberate failure to obtain a marriage license. The court emphasized that it could not extend the definition of 'surviving spouse' to individuals who knowingly disregard statutory marriage requirements, remanding the case for dismissal.
Harlow v. Reliance National is a workers' compensation case decided in Tennessee Supreme Court. This case addresses legal issues related to compensation claims, benefits, and court rulings.
It is commonly referenced in legal research involving workers' compensation laws in Tennessee Supreme Court.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
The Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel reviewed a case where Donna Barber (Harlow) sought death benefits after her ex-husband, Gary Harlow, died from a work injury. Despite a 'remarriage' ceremony, they lacked a marriage license and knew of this deficiency for years. The trial court initially found Ms. Harlow a 'lawful wife' and awarded lump-sum death benefits. However, the appellate panel reversed, ruling that Ms. Harlow was not a surviving spouse under Tennessee's workers' compensation law due to the deliberate failure to obtain a marriage license. The court emphasized that it could not extend the definition of 'surviving spouse' to individuals who knowingly disregard statutory marriage requirements, remanding the case for dismissal.
Read the full decision
Join + legal professionals. Create a free account to access the complete text of this decision and search our entire database.