Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, if a covered employee or the dependents of a covered employee receive an amount in an action: the amount is in place of any award that otherwise could be made under this title; and the case is finally closed and settled. If the amount of damages received by the covered employee or the dependents of the covered employee is less than the amount that the covered employee or dependents would otherwise be entitled to receive under this title, the covered employee or dependents may reopen the claim for compensation to recover the difference between: the amount of damages received by the covered employee or dependents; and the full amount of compensation that otherwise would be payable under this title.