Texas Labor Code - LAB § 410.256. Court Approval of Settlement

(a) A claim or issue may not be settled contrary to the provisions of the appeals panel decision issued on the claim or issue unless a party to the proceeding has filed for judicial review under this subchapter or Subchapter G. The trial court must approve a settlement made by the parties after judicial review of an award is sought and before the court enters judgment.

(b) The court may not approve a settlement except on a finding that:

(c) A settlement may not provide for:

(d) A settlement or agreement that resolves an issue of impairment may not be made before the claimant reaches maximum medical improvement and must adopt one of the impairment ratings under Subchapter G, Chapter 408.  1

(e) A party proposing a settlement before judgment is entered by the trial court may petition the court orally or in writing for approval of the settlement.

(f) Settlement of a claim or issue under this section does not constitute a modification or reversal of the decision awarding benefits for the purpose of Section 410.209.

(g) Settlement of a claim or issue must be in compliance with all appropriate provisions of the law, including this section and Section 410.258 of this subchapter. A settlement which on its face does not comply with this section is void.