Willadean Richardson v. Coffee County Board of Education et al.

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 a hearing and a report of findings of fact and conclusions of law. Employee slipped and fell in the course of her employment as a cafeteria worker. She was subsequently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The trial court found that condition was caused by the work injury, and awarded benefits for permanent total disability. Employer has appealed, contending that the evidence preponderates against the trial court's findings as to causation and also as to the extent of Employee's permanent disability. Employer further contends that the trial court erred in ordering accrued benefits to be paid in a lump sum. Employee contends that the trial court incorrectly based her average weekly wage upon a calendar year rather than a school year. We affirm the judgment in all respects.