Tennessee Code Title 50. Employer and Employee § 50-6-803

(a) The payment of workers' compensation benefits to, or on behalf of, an injured employee pursuant to this part constitutes satisfaction of the judgment against the uninsured employer up to the amount paid. The bureau shall assume the rights of a creditor against the employer and may take action to collect the portion of the judgment that it satisfied on the employer's behalf.

(b) The bureau shall place a lien on the assets of the employer to recover money paid pursuant to this part by filing a notice of claim with the register of deeds of any county where the employer has assets. Upon filing the notice of claim with the appropriate official, the bureau shall be a secured creditor, and any lien secured pursuant to this part has first priority over all other liens with the exception of liens established for the collection of delinquent tax payments.

(c) The injured employee may collect the remaining portion of the judgment that was not satisfied by payment made pursuant to this part from the employer.