Lisa Shelton v. Central Mutual Insurance Company

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 a hearing and a report of findings of fact and conclusions
of law. In 2004, Employee was found to be permanently and totally disabled as a
result of a work-related injury. In January 2006, he died as a result of an overdose
of prescription medication. His widow sought workers’ compensation death benefits,
alleging that his death was the direct result of his prior work injury. Employer filed
a motion for summary judgment, contending that the medical evidence was insufficient. The trial court granted the motion. Employee’s widow has appealed. We reverse the judgment and remand for further proceedings.