Generally, Workers Compensation has a "lien" relative to payments made in cases involving third party actions.  The WC law only requires that two thirds (2/3) of the amount be paid back.  But, if it is a motor vehicle case, the first 50,000 of payments by WC are considered to have been made "in lieu of no fault" and are not lienable.  Regardless, consent to settle must be obtained from the WC carrier.  JMH