AAA Cooper Transportation v. J. J. Lewis

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 a hearing and a report of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The employee alleged that he sustained a compensable neck
injury. His employer denied the claim. The trial court found for the employee and
awarded 40% permanent partial disability (“PPD”). The employer has appealed, contending that the evidence preponderates against the trial court’s finding that the employee’s injury occurred at work. In addition, the employer asserts that the trial court erred by directing a written inquiry concerning causation to be sent to the treating physician and by considering the response to that inquiry. We affirm the judgment.