James E. Sanders v. Lodgenet Interactive Corporation, et al

In this workers’ compensation action, the employee alleged that he sustained compensable injuries to his neck and lower back as a result of a March 29, 2007 automobile accident. His employer denied that the employee had any permanent impairment or disability due to the accident. The employer sought an evaluation through the Medical Impairment Registry, but the doctor selected for the evaluation declined to assess impairment because he did not find the employee to be at maximum medical improvement. The employer sought a continuance of the previously-scheduled trial. The trial court denied that motion. The trial court ruled for the employee and awarded disability benefits. On appeal, the employer argues that the trial court erred by denying its motion to continue and by awarding permanent disability benefits. We affirm the judgment.