Kelly Lee Bowers v. G. Beeler Auto Delivery, Inc.
E2005-02006-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Sharon G. Lee
Originating Judge:Chancellor John F. Weaver |
Knox County | Workers Compensation Panel | 10/30/06 | |
Brenda Woods v. State of Tennessee
W2005-02119-SC-WCM-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 9-8-43(a)(1) and Tennessee Code Annotated section 5-6-225(e)(1) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. On appeal, the employee contends that the trial court erred in awarding permanent partial disability workers' compensation benefits at a rate of 2% to the body as a whole and contends that the evidence preponderates in favor of a much higher award of benefit. After carefully reviewing the record, we affirm the commissioner's award. Tenn. Code Ann. __ 9-8-43(a)(1) 5-6-225(e)(3) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Claims Commission Affirmed J.S. (Steve) Daniel, Sr. J., in which Janice M. Holder, J., and Joe C. Loser, Jr., Sp. J., joined. Michell G. Tollison, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellant, Brenda Woods. Michael B. Schwegler, Nashville, Tennessee, for the appellee, State of Tennessee. OPINION I. Facts and Procedural History Ms. Brenda Woods is an unmarried person who is the mother of three children and was forty-eight years of age when this case was tried before the Claims Commission of the State of Tennessee. She has two daughters and one son. Unfortunately one of her daughters has lupus, and her son has cystic fibrosis. Ms. Woods has and is rearing these children as a single parent. The two children with the physical disabilities lived with her at the time of the trial. Ms. Woods is a high school graduate and has taken college courses at the University of Memphis, Jackson State Community College, and the Tennessee Tech Center in Jackson, Tennessee, but has not graduated from college. She previously worked as a legal secretary for almost ten years. She then had her own consulting firm before working for Harold Ford, Sr. as a health screening coordinator. She went to work for the State in 1999 when she began her work at the West Tennessee State Penitentiary as a Counselor I. She quickly rose in classification to Counselor III and was working in such a position at the time of the work-related accident which is the subject of this lawsuit although she was facing disciplinary action. She has not returned to work for the State subsequent to the accident which is the subject of this litigation. However, she did run for political office in 25 but was unsuccessful in her bid to be elected mayor of the city of Bolivar, Tennessee. Brenda Woods was injured in the course and scope of her employment on September 9, 22, when a chair she was sitting in broke, causing her to fall to the floor and strike her left arm on her desk. The fall caused injuries to her left wrist, back and neck. The back and neck injuries ultimately resolved. Ms. Woods filed a complaint for workers' compensation benefits with the Tennessee Claims Commission for the State of Tennessee, Western Division on August 27, 23, seeking compensation for the left wrist. She later sought and obtained permission from the commission to amend her complaint to seek psychological damages for this work-related incident. Proper notice of her injury was given, and at the time of the injury she was directed first to the prison infirmity then was sent home on the day of the accident. She was seen by Dr. David ErikYakin who treated her left wrist injury. Dr. Yakin initially treated the wrist injury as a contusion, but as time passed and Ms. Woods continued to have pain and swelling, concern developed that she might have a more significant injury. It was ultimately determined by Dr. Yakin that Ms. Woods had a ligament tear in her wrist that was corrected by surgery in December 22, when a left wrist arthroscopy was performed with debridement of the triangular fibrocartilage comple (TFCC) and debridement of a partial scapholunate ligament tear. Ms. Woods continued to experience pain and complained swelling in his wrist, and she was unable to return to work or to perform housekeeping duties. Therefore, Dr. Yakin sought a second opinion from Dr. Weiker. Dr. Weikert recommended further physical therapy but no additional surgery. Dr. Yakin opined that Ms. Woods suffered an 8% impairment of the left upper extremity based on the swelling of her joint, the mild instability of the scapholunate ligament, and her problem in the TFCC region itself. He imposed work restrictions of lifting no more than five pounds and no repetitive activities with her left upper extremity. During a visit in December 22, Ms. Woods made statements that were considered an expression of suicidal ideations by members of Dr. Yakins' staff who referred her to Pathway Psychiatric Unit in Jackson, Tennessee, for psychological care. She was then seen in January 23 by Dr. Elias King Bond who specializes in psychiatry and who treated Ms. Woods sporadically over an extended period of time for depression. After seeing Ms. Woods in January, Dr. Bond next saw her in April 23 for depression and in October 23 for depression and sleep disorder, and he saw her some eleven months later in September of 24 for depression. Dr. Bond primarily treated Ms. Woods with various medications. Our review of the record reveals that on many occasions, Ms. Woods missed her appointments. Dr. Bond was of the opinion that Ms. Woods had depression related to continued pain and inability to use her left wrist. Ms. Woods is left-hand dominant. Dr. Bond made no diagnosis of Ms. Woods' psychological problems but concluded that she had sustained a permanent impairment of moderate intensity for depression. He estimated the impairment at about "15% to the body as a whole" and listed the areas that she was impaired in as "self-care, personal hygiene, travel, communication and sleep."
Authoring Judge: J.S. (Steve) Daniel, Sr. J.
Originating Judge:Nancy C. Miller-Herron, Claims Commissioner |
Workers Compensation Panel | 10/30/06 | ||
Gary R. Slone v. Woodcraft Manufacturing, Inc.,
E2005-01575-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Roger E. Thayer
Originating Judge:Judge Ben K. Wexler |
Greene County | Workers Compensation Panel | 10/30/06 | |
James Craven v. Corrections Corporation of America and American Home Assurance Company
W2005-01537-SC-WCM-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge J. S. (Steve) Daniel
Originating Judge:Chancellor Dewey Whitenton |
Fayette County | Workers Compensation Panel | 10/26/06 | |
Mahle, Inc. v. Walter Dean Rouse
E2005-02432-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Roger E. Thayer
Originating Judge:Chancellor Thomas R. Frierson II |
Hamblen County | Workers Compensation Panel | 10/12/06 | |
Mark Anthony Hatmaker v. Allied Industrial Equipment, Inc., et al.
E2005-02519-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court awarded the plaintiff 76 percent permanent partial disability to the body as whole and 39 additional weeks of temporary total disability benefits. On appeal, the defendant contends that the award of permanent partial disability was excessive; that the award of temporary total disability was not warranted; and the trial court erred in allowing the testimony of a vocational expert. After carefully reviewing the record and applicable authorities, we find no error and affirm the judgment.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Sharon G. Lee
Originating Judge:Judge Donald R. Elledge |
Anderson County | Workers Compensation Panel | 10/09/06 | |
Gary Nelson v. Norandal USA, Inc., et al.
W2005-02312-SC-WCM-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated Section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employee insists the evidence preponderates against the trial court’s finding that he knew or should have known he had a compensable injury more than a year before the action was commenced. As discussed below, the Panel concludes that the evidence preponderates against the finding of the trial court. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Joe C. Loser, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed Mcginley |
Carroll County | Workers Compensation Panel | 09/26/06 | |
Jennifer Kelly v. Dollar General Corporation
W2005-01891-SC-WCM-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge J. S. (Steve) Daniel
Originating Judge:Chancellor Walter L. Evans |
Shelby County | Workers Compensation Panel | 09/25/06 | |
Bobby Crowder v. Morningstar Manufacturing, Inc, et al.
W2005-01609-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employer's insurer insists the evidence preponderates against the trial court's finding that the employee's injury was not proximately caused by intoxication from the use of an illegal drug, marijuana. The panel has concluded the judgment of the trial court should be affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Joe C. Loser, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley |
Hardin County | Workers Compensation Panel | 09/12/06 | |
Roseann Huffaker v. St. Mary's Health System, Inc.
E2005-02428-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated §50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The employer contends the trial court erred in (a) finding employee’s claim for latex allergy to be compensable, (b) failing to impose liability on a subsequent employer, and (c) awarding 50 percent vocational disability. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Howell N. Peoples
Originating Judge:Chancellor John Weaver |
Knox County | Workers Compensation Panel | 09/01/06 | |
William Eric Brewer v. The Hartford
W2005-01147-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge J.S. (Steve) Daniel
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley |
Carroll County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/30/06 | |
Phillip Brow v. Penske Logistics, Inc., et al
W2006-00096-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge J.S. (Steve) Daniel
Originating Judge:Chancellor Arnold Goldin |
Shelby County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/30/06 | |
Carol Pipkin v. Tennessee Electroplating, Inc.
W2005-02835-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employer insists the evidence preponderates against the trial court's findings as to causation and extent of permanent partial disability. The employer further insists the claim should have been dismissed by the trial court because the injured worker failed to give timely written notice. We conclude the trial court’s judgment should be affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Joe C. Loser, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor Dewey C. Whitenton |
Lauderdale County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/30/06 | |
Michael Rodney Smith v. Beazer Homes, Corp, et al.
CH-02-0579-1
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Tennessee Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court found the plaintiff was an independent contractor and dismissed his complaint. The trial court further denied the counter-complaint of Travelers Insurance Company and dismissed Travelers Insurance Company's third party complaint against Joey Helton a/k/a Joey Hilton. For the reasons discussed below, we reverse the judgment of the trial court, and we remand the case to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Allen W. Wallace
Originating Judge:Chancellor Walter L. Evans |
Smith County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/23/06 | |
Carroll D. Haney v. Five Rivers Electronic Innovation, LLC and Lumbermens Underwriting Alliance
E2004-01941-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated §50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The employee contends the trial court erred in finding that he made a meaningful return to work requiring the award to be capped at two and one-half times the medical impairment. We modify the award.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Howell N. Peoples
Originating Judge:Chancellor Thomas R. Frierson |
Greene County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/23/06 | |
Carl D. Pirtle v. Humboldt Utilities, et al.
W2005-02075-SC-WCM-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employer insists the evidence preponderates against the trial court's findings that the employee’s back and arm injuries were causally related to his work The employer also insists the trial court erred in making a single award for separate accidental injuries occurring at different times. As discussed below, the Panel has concluded the judgment should be affirmed in part and remanded to the trial court for separate awards for the back and hand injuries.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Joe C. Loser, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor George R. Ellis |
Gibson County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/21/06 | |
Roger Shoulders v. Pasminco Zinc, Inc. and State of Tennessee, Department of Labor, Workers' Compensation Division, Second Injury Fund
M2004-02521-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The Defendant Second Injury Fund has appealed the findings of the trial court, which determined that the Employee is entitled to recover permanent total disability until age sixty-six. We find that Employee is not permanently and totally disabled, and we therefore modify the decision of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Robert E. Corlew
Originating Judge:Judge John D. Wootten, Jr. |
Smith County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/21/06 | |
Sherilyn A. Bialecke, et al. v. Chattanooga Publishing Company, et al
E2005-2560-WC-R3-CVSheril
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court findings of fact and conclusions of law. Kenneth Bialecke was killed in a car wreck while going to work early one morning. His widow and minor children sued his employer and its insurance carrier seeking workers' compensation death benefits. After hearing the proof presented at trial, the Chancellor dismissed the cause of action, finding that Mr. Bialecke's death did not arise out of and did not occur in the course of his employment, because the fatal accident occurred as the employee was on his way to his place of employment and, therefore, he had not yet begun his work day. After carefully reviewing the record and applicable authorities, we conclude that the Chancellor's judgment should be affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge Sharon G. Lee
Originating Judge:Chancellor W. Frank Brown, III |
Hamilton County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/18/06 | |
Timothy L. Bingham v. Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America, et al.
W2004-02879-SC-WCM-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. Appellee/Plaintiff, Timothy L. Bingham ("Employee"), alleges that while on a boy scout camping trip he received a tick bite, resulting in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ("RMSF"). Employee was diagnosed with severe septic shock, pancreatitis, necrosis in the foot, acute renal failure, dehydration, hepatitis B, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and HIV. The trial court found Employee's medical condition of acute pancreatitis was caused by the tick bite and that Employee was totally and permanently disabled. Appellant/Defendant, Chickasaw Council, Boy Scouts of America ("Employer"), appeals challenging the ruling of the trial court upon the grounds that medical evidence preponderates against the findings of the trial court. We find the evidence preponderates against the findings of the trial court and reverse the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Allen W. Wallace
Originating Judge:Judge Rita L. Stotts |
Shelby County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/18/06 | |
James R. Whited v. Nissan Motor Corporation
M2005-00041-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Senior William H. Inman
Originating Judge:Judge Ross H. Hicks |
White County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/15/06 | |
Calvin Miller v. Alloy Cladding Company, Inc., AIG Insurance Company, Inc. and Tennessee Department of Labor Second Injury Fund
W2005-01928-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge J. S. (Steve) Daniel
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed Mcginley |
Hardin County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/07/06 | |
Roy Russell v. Thyssen Krupp Elevator Manufacturing, Inc.
W2005-02226-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated Section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employer insists the trial court erred in finding that the claimant gave proper notice of his injury, in finding the claimant suffered an injury by accident arising out of and in the course of his employment with the defendant and in awarding permanent partial disability benefits based on thirty percent to the body as a whole. The Panel has concluded the judgment of the trial court should be affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Joe C. Loser, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor Dewey C. Whitenton |
Hardeman County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/03/06 | |
Gerald Jump v. C & M Disposal
E2005-02629-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Roger E. Thayer
Originating Judge:Chancellor Jerri S. Bryant |
Bradley County | Workers Compensation Panel | 07/28/06 | |
Mary E. Moffitt v. U.S. Xpress Enterprises, et al.
E2004-02500-WC-R3-CV
This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood
Originating Judge:Chancellor Howell N. Peoples |
Hamilton County | Workers Compensation Panel | 07/28/06 | |
Gary A. Price v. Tipton Steel Erectors, Inc., and Legion Insurance Company
E2005-00143-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court awarded plaintiff thirty (30) weeks of permanent disability for the loss of his right, great toe. On appeal, the employee contends that his injury was not limited to the scheduled member but that he is entitled to an award of permanent, partial vocational disability to the body as a whole. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II
Originating Judge:Chancellor W. Frank Brown, III |
Hamilton County | Workers Compensation Panel | 07/07/06 |