TN SB1981

Creates an exception to workers' compensation exclusive remedy rule, allowing families to pursue wrongful death civil actions when an employee's death results from gross negligence or criminal conduct by the employer, with workers' compensation benefits credited against any civil recovery

Increases temporary and permanent disability benefit rates from 66⅔% to 75% of the employee's average weekly wage

Expands increased benefits for workers who haven't returned to work or earn less than pre-injury wages: original award multiplied by 2.5, with additional 1.45 multipliers for workers over age 40 or lacking a high school diploma

Preserves employees' right to seek permanent total disability benefits even after accepting an original permanent partial disability award, if the compensable injury later results in total disability

Raises maximum attorney contingency fees from 20% to 25% and expands penalties for employers who wrongfully deny or delay any workers' compensation benefits