William J. Parker v. Haps Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical Services, LLC

Employee sought workers’ compensation benefits and medical expenses for a shoulder injury he
allegedly suffered while working for Employer. The trial court bifurcated the trial with regard to (1)
whether the injury was compensable, and (2) if so, the extent of compensation benefits to which
Employee is entitled. At the close of Employee’s proof as to compensability, the trial court
dismissed Employee’s claim, finding that the issue of causation was not established. Employee has appealed this judgment. Employee contends that the evidence does not support the trial court’s ruling that he had failed to sustain his burden of proof as to compensability. We reverse the judgment dismissing the claim and remand the case to the trial court for proceedings consistent with this opinion.1