Yearby, Reginald v. Armstrong Relocation
This expedited hearing addressed whether the employee, Reginald Yearby, was entitled to temporary disability benefits at the maximum compensation rate of $992.20, and if the employer, Armstrong Relocation, was due a credit for overpayment. The Court found Mr. Yearby's actual taxable earnings were significantly less than initially stated, derived from his 2016 and 2017 tax returns, even though he was treated as an employee for workers' compensation purposes despite being an independent contractor. Citing Tennessee Code Annotated, the Court determined Mr. Yearby's correct average weekly wage was $552.50, leading to a compensation rate of $368.35. Consequently, his request for maximum benefits was denied, and Armstrong Relocation was granted a credit for past overpayments.