APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

State of Tennessee v Robert Benjamin Bowen

M2003-00513-CCA-R3-CO

Upon his plea of guilty, the Defendant was convicted of DUI. In this appeal, he attempts to present two certified questions of law pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 37(b)(2)(i). Because we conclude that this appeal does not properly present certified questions of law, we dismiss the appeal.

Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Seth W. Norman
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/23/04
State of Tennessee v. Stacy L. Mack and Martress Shaw

W2002-01828-CCA-R3-CD

The defendants appeal their convictions of possession of more than 0.5 grams of cocaine with intent to deliver. The defendants allege error in the trial court’s failure to suppress evidence seized pursuant to a search warrant and denial of their motions for judgment of acquittal. Upon review, we reverse the failure to suppress the search warrant and reverse and dismiss the convictions of both defendants. The conviction of Stacy Mack is reversed due to insufficiency of the evidence, and Martress Shaw’s conviction is reversed due to insufficiency of evidence after suppression of the search warrant.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood
Lauderdale County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/22/04
Mary E. Madison, as Surviving Spouse of James R. Madison, Deceased, et al., v. State of Tennessee

E2003-01537-COA-R3-CV

These consolidated claims against the State of Tennessee ("State") arise out of an automobile accident which resulted in the death of James R. Madison and personal injury to Mary E. Madison, Kenneth R. Madison, and Wilma J. Madison (collectively referred to as "Claimants"). The State filed a motion for summary judgment which the Claims Commission ("Commission") granted based primarily on Claimants' failure to file a timely response. The Commission later set aside its order granting the State's summary judgment motion and ordered Claimants to file a response to that motion no later than March 19, 2003. Claimants filed their response to the motion for summary judgment on March 18, 2003. On May 14, 2003, apparently acting under the misapprehension that Claimants still had not responded to the motion for summary judgment, the Commission dismissed the claims based on Claimants' violation of its previous order directing them to respond. We vacate the dismissal of these claims and remand for further proceedings.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Vance W. Cheek, Jr., Commissioner
Knox County Court of Appeals 01/22/04
State of Tennessee v. Stacy L. Mack And Martress Shaw - Dissenting/Concurring

W2002-01828-CCA-R3-CD

While I concur in the majority’s reversal of Defendant Mack’s conviction based upon insufficient evidence of constructive possession of cocaine, I respectfully dissent from the portion of the majority opinion that holds that the search warrant did not sufficiently describe the premises to be searched, because it omitted the street address, to meet constitutional standards. I disagree with the majority’s conclusion that Bostic, 898 S.W.2d 242, does not apply under the facts of this case because “[w]e are not confronted herein with an ambiguous description, i.e., one that is susceptible to multiple interpretations, but rather the omission of important details in the description.” I believe warrant, which was cured by Detective Tutor’s knowledge of the location to be searched. To hold otherwise effectively ignores the precedent established in Bostic.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood
Lauderdale County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/22/04
Jimmy H. Spurlock v. Boiler & Heat Exchange Systems, Inc.

E2002-02842-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann._ 5-6-225 (e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The Plaintiff alleges he suffers from a occupational disease within the definition thereof contained in Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-31. The trial judge found the plaintiff failed to show that his lung disease was caused by or arose from his occupation as a welder with the Defendant and dismissed the case. We affirm the judgment of the trial court. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed JOHN K. BYERS, SR. J., in which E. RILEY ANDERSON, J., and ROGER E. THAYER, SP. J., joined. Ronald J. Berke, Chattanooga, Tennessee, attorney for the Appellant, Jimmy H. Spurlock. C. Douglas Dooley, Charles W. Poss and Michael D. Newton, Chattanooga, Tennessee, attorneys for Appellee, Boiler & Heat Exchange Systems, Inc. MEMORANDUM OPINION Facts There is no dispute concerning the fact the Plaintiff is totallydisabled as a result of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Further, the evidence shows the Plaintiff worked for the Defendant for ten years before his illness caused him to be unable to work. The Plaintiff worked as a welder for the defendant. He and other employees testified they and the Plaintiff were exposed to a significant amount of metal particles and dust caused by the welding work they did. There is no evidence to dispute this. Charles N. Adams, Jr., a mechanical engineer conducted a study of the work done in the Defendant's plant and found some thirty substances to which the Plaintiff would have been exposed. These included metal particles and other substances. These findings were not disputed. There is little dispute in the medical evidence in this case except the significant and controlling issue of whether the Plaintiff's illness is a result of a hazard of his occupation with the Defendant. Medical Evidence There was extensive medical proof introduced in the record by oral testimony of expert witnesses and various reports from other experts. Additionally, several studies concerning interstitial pulmonary fibrosis was introduced. Amongst this evidence, the most significant evidence was presented by Dr. Suresh Enjeti, a pulmonary specialist, Dr. James D. Snell, Jr., a pulmonary disease specialist, and Dr. William F. McGann Jr., a specialist in internal medicine. Further there were reports from four highly qualified pathologists found in the record. Dr. Enjeti, who testified in person, testified that the Plaintiff's lung disease was caused by the exposure to the metal dust, et al, encountered by the Plaintiff in his work with the Defendant. Dr. Enjuti based his opinion upon medical studies which he had done and which he had studied which indicated the illness suffered by the plaintiff is caused by exposure to metal particles. Dr. Enjeti testified he had the report from the engineer which tested the material said to be found in the work place. He found no metal or dust particles in the Plaintiff's lungs. When asked if he had any objective findings to support his conclusion the Plaintiff's disease was caused by his work for the Defendant, Dr. Enjeti responded: "Beyond the occupational history, no." Dr. James D. Snell, examined the Plaintiff and confirmed the diagnosis of interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Dr. Snell discussed each of the substances listed by the engineer as being present in the work place. He testified none of these would cause the problem which the Plaintiff has. He found none of these - nor asbestos - present in the Plaintiff's lung biopsy. Dr. Snell was of the opinion the Plaintiff interstitial fibrosis was of unknown origin and did not relate its' beginning to the Plaintiff's work for the Defendant. Dr. McGann gave a video deposition and testified the Plaintiff's condition of uncertain etiology and that it was not caused or aggravated by the work for the Defendant. The four pathologists found no evidence that any of the particles contained in the engineer's report were present in the Plaintiff's lung tissue. -2-
Authoring Judge: John K. Byers, Sr. J.
Originating Judge:W. Frank Brown III, Chancellor
Knox County Workers Compensation Panel 01/22/04
Alonzo Leonardo Gayden v. State of Tennessee

M2003-00165-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Alonzo Leonardo Gayden, appeals from the Rutherford County Circuit Court's denying him post-conviction relief from his 2001 conviction for theft of property valued at $1,000 or more, a Class D felony. He contends that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge James K. Clayton, Jr.
Rutherford County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/22/04
State of Tennessee v. Octavian Reeves

W2002-01313-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant appeals his conviction for second degree murder and the sentence of twenty-five years. After review, we conclude that the restrictions placed on the defendant's cross examination of the witness were within the discretion of the trial court. Further, we affirm the conviction and sentence imposed.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Roger A. Page
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/22/04
State of Tennessee v. Alonzo Maurice Rogan

M2002-01603-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant filed a delayed appeal, alleging error: (1) in denying the defendant the opportunity to file an amended motion for new trial; (2) in the failure to amend the indictment for attempted first degree murder to aggravated assault; (3) in the failure of the indictment for evading arrest to contain statutory language; and, (4) in admitting the defendant’s confession in violation of an in limine order during the second phase of a bifurcated trial. We conclude that no reversible errors were attendant and affirm the convictions.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Jane W. Wheatcraft
Sumner County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/22/04
State of Tennessee v. Alonzo Maurice Rogan - Concurring

M2002-01603-CCA-R3-CD

I write separately to explain why I am concurring in results only in this case. The record reflects that Defendant’s counsel adamantly asserted that aggravated assault was a lesser-included offense of attempted first degree murder. Just as adamantly, the State argued that aggravated assault was not a lesser-included offense of attempted first degree murder under our supreme court’s decision in State v. Burns, 6 S.W.3d 453 (Tenn. 1999). The record also reflects that while the trial court had reservations about the appropriateness of charging aggravated assault as a lesser-included offense, it was ultimately persuaded to do so by arguments of Defendant’s counsel. Counsel’s conduct may or may not be grounds for relief to Defendant in a post-conviction proceeding, but that must be decided at a later hearing on a later date.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Jane W. Wheatcraft
Sumner County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/22/04
Diann Parnell v. Victor L. Ivy, Peter J. Dauster, Hardee, Martin, Jaynes & Ivy, P.A., C. Wesley Fowler and Glankler Brown, PLLC

W2003-00023-COA-R3-CV

This is a legal malpractice case. The client filed suit in federal court against a municipality for the
death of her husband under the Governmental Tort Liability Act and U.S.C. § 1983. The federal
court dismissed the GTLA claim but retained the §1983 claims. The client dismissed her attorneys, hired new counsel and filed the GTLA claim in state court. The state court dismissed the GTLA claim because, while the GTLA claim was pending in federal court, the applicable statute of limitations expired. The client sued her original attorneys for malpractice. Shortly thereafter, the client settled the remaining § 1983 claims against the municipality. The defendant attorneys filed a motion for summary judgment in the malpractice case, arguing that the settlement with the municipality on the §1983 claims mandated dismissal of the legal malpractice claim. The trial court granted the summary judgment motion. The client appealed. We reverse, holding that the damages sought in the legal malpractice lawsuit are separate and distinct from the damages sought in the underlying lawsuit, and therefore settlement of the underlying lawsuit does not shield the former attorneys from liability.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan, Jr.
Madison County Court of Appeals 01/21/04
Stacey F. Baldon v. State of Tennessee

W2003-00763-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Stacey Baldon, appeals from the trial court's denial of post-conviction relief. The issues presented for review are whether the petitioner was denied the effective assistance of counsel and whether the guilty pleas were knowingly and voluntarily entered. The judgment is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III
Lauderdale County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/21/04
Elmer Da Vid Do Yle v. Un Ited Par Cel Servic E,

2003-00078-SC-WCM-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. Section 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of the finding of fact and conclusions of law. The only issue submitted to the trial judge was the extent of the employee's permanent vocational disability. The employer appeals the award of permanent disability benefits to an employee. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Joe H. Walker, III Sp.J.
Originating Judge:Joe C. Morris, Chancellor
Madison County Workers Compensation Panel 01/21/04
State of Tennessee v. Atta Najjar

W2003-00329-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant was convicted of aggravated rape and aggravated robbery. He contends on appeal that 1) the evidence was insufficient to support the convictions, and 2) the trial court erred in instructing the jury as to aggravated rape. The judgment for aggravated robbery is affirmed. We conclude that a constructive amendment of the indictment for aggravated rape occurred because the jury was permitted to convict the defendant based on an element different from that which was charged or included within the indictment. Accordingly, the judgment for aggravated rape is reversed.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/21/04
State of Tennessee v. Levar Gray

W2002-02259-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Levar Gray, was convicted of two counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. The trial court imposed sentences of twelve years for each of the four offenses. Because the trial court ordered partially consecutive sentencing, the effective sentence is twenty-four years. In this appeal of right, the defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support the convictions and that the sentence is excessive. Because the record does not support the imposition of maximum sentences for each conviction and because consecutive sentences were not warranted, the judgments must be modified to reflect concurrent sentences of ten years for each conviction.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge W. Otis Higgs, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/21/04
Floyd Lee Perry, Jr., v. State of Tennessee

W2002-02303-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Floyd Lee Perry, Jr., filed a petition for post-conviction relief in the Obion County Circuit Court. In his petition, the petitioner raised several issues, with his two chief complaints being that the trial court erred by failing to charge the jury on the lesser-included offenses of felony murder and that trial counsel was ineffective. Subsequent to an evidentiary hearing, the postconviction court dismissed the petition and the petitioner timely appealed. Upon review of the record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge William B. Acree, Jr.
Obion County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/21/04
State of Tennessee v. James Lusk, Jr.

E2003-00941-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, James Lusk, Jr., appeals from his twenty-five-year sentence imposed by the Hamilton County Criminal Court following his guilty plea to attempted first degree murder, a Class A felony. The defendant claims that the trial court failed to apply and weigh mitigating factors properly. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Rebecca J. Stern
Hamilton County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/20/04
Ginnie Leach and J.T. Hill, Jr. v. Tim Taylor and Larry Taylor, individually and doing business as Hunt Funeral Home

W2002-01091-SC-R11-CV

We granted permission to appeal in this case to determine whether the Court of Appeals erred in holding that the complaint failed to state a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. We also consider Defendants' contention that the Court of Appeals erred in holding that Plaintiffs' cause of action was not time-barred because the discovery rule applies to this case. We hold that Plaintiffs' complaint is sufficient to state a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The complaint alleges all the elements of the cause of action. We also hold that the discovery rule tolled the statute of limitations in this case. Plaintiffs could not have been expected to know, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, that Defendants' alleged statements were false, and therefore could not have been expected to know that an injury had occurred because of the false statements. Accordingly, the holding of the Court of Appeals is affirmed in part and reversed in part, and this case is remanded to the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Chief Justice Frank F. Drowota, III
Originating Judge:Judge Clayburn L. Peeples
Gibson County Supreme Court 01/20/04
State of Tennessee v. Jimmy David McElroy

E2003-00943-CCA-R9-CD

The state in this interlocutory appeal challenges the McMinn County trial court’s order granting the defendant’s motion to suppress evidence seized pursuant to a search warrant. In suppressing the evidence, the trial court found the informant’s information in the affidavit referred to a different property location than the property authorized to be searched; therefore, the trial court found a lack of probable cause for the issuance of the search warrant. Upon review of the record and the applicable law, we affirm the trial court’s order granting the motion to suppress.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge R. Steven Bebb
McMinn County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/20/04
John Thomas Still v. Commissary Operations, Inc.

M2003-00528-WC-R3-CV
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 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court determined that I(1) Employee was entitled to the current cause of action pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 5-6-241(a)(2). The employee sustained no additional vocational disability over and above the previously awarded twenty-five percent. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the judgment of the trial court should be affirmed. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (22 Supp.) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court Affirmed ALLEN W. WALLACE, SR. J., in which ADOLPHO A. BIRCH, JR., J. and JOHN K. BYERS, SR. J., joined. Aubrey T. Givens, Madison, Tennessee, for appellant, John Thomas Still Mark A. Baugh, Nashville, Tennessee, for appellee, Commissary Operations, Inc. MEMORANDUM OPINION FACTS On March 13, 1998, the plaintiff injured his back at work. At trial, the parties stipulated that the plaintiff's injury was work-related, that it occurred during the course and scope of his employment, and that proper notice was given. The incident was compensable at a rate of $492. Thus, the only issue at trial was the extent of permanent vocational disability and whether the award should be paid in a lump sum. At the conclusion of proof, the trial court found that the plaintiff had sustained a twenty-five percent vocational disability to the body which equated to two and a half times the bodily impairment. The trial court further ruled that the plaintiff's rights pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 5-6-241(2)(b) were not impaired. Subsequent to the original case, the plaintiff returned to his employment with Commissary Operations, Inc. However, in July 22, he was terminated. The plaintiff then filed a new cause of action pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 5-6-(a)(2) in an attempt to increase his previously adjudicated award of twenty-five percent vocational disability. In the second case, the trial court determined that reconsideration of the previous award was required under the facts and circumstances of the plaintiff's loss of employment with Commissary Operations, Inc. However, it did not award the plaintiff any additional vocational disability The following facts were adduced at the second trial. After his March 1998 injury, the plaintiff was ultimately released to return to work at Commissary Operations, Inc. Dr. Cushman, the plaintiff's treating physician, assigned the plaintiff a ten percent permanent impairment to the body as a whole. Dr. Cushman told the plaintiff that he should use "common sense" and temporarily refrain from lifting heavy objects. Dr. Cushman did not give the plaintiff any permanent restrictions. He testified that he instructed the plaintiff that if he had any problems to return to see him. Dr. Cushman stated that he did not treat the plaintiff again. The plaintiff returned to work in October 1998, and he continued there until July 22. The plaintiff testified regarding problems that he suffered when he returned to work after his back injury. He stated that many of his tasks caused him pain. He also stated that he could not sit for more than three hours in the same position. The plaintiff acknowledged that he did not complain to his supervisors about the alleged pain he suffered. He maintained that it was because he was afraid he might lose his job. The plaintiff's wife also testified regarding the plaintiff's pain and decreased activity. On September 6, 21, the plaintiff underwent a physical for the Department of Transportation. The physical was performed at Concentra Medical Center. As part of the examination, the plaintiff filled out a form indicating that he had had a prior back and spinal injury. However, he also stated in the forms that he was not having any problems from his 1998 injury and that he did not have any restrictions with job activities. The plaintiff tried to explain that he filled out the forms as he did because on "that date it wasn't hurting." Following the physical, the plaintiff was re-certified to continue driving. In October 21, while planting flowers, the plaintiff injured himself at his home. Three to four weeks after the accident, the plaintiff went to see his own physician, Dr. Peach. On February 19, 22, Dr. McCarty, an orthopedic specialist to whom Dr. Peach had referred the plaintiff, performed surgery on the plaintiff's shoulder. On March 7, 22, the plaintiff filled out a form requesting Family or Medical Leave. The form stated that the plaintiff was entitled to twelve weeks of unpaid leave. However, the plaintiff contends that he was approved for six months leave. The plaintiff was already on leave when he completed the form. -2-
Authoring Judge: Allen W. Wallace, Sr. J.
Originating Judge:Ross H. Hicks, Circuit Judge
Robertson County Workers Compensation Panel 01/20/04
State of Tennessee v. Gary Allen Larkins, Jr.

E2003-00404-CCA-MR3-CD

A Sullivan County Criminal Court jury convicted the defendant, Gary Allen Larkins, Jr., of attempted aggravated assault, a Class D felony; resisting arrest, a Class B misdemeanor; and disorderly conduct, a Class C misdemeanor, and the trial court sentenced him to concurrent sentences of seven years, six months, and thirty days, respectively. The defendant appeals, claiming that the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions. We affirm the defendant’s convictions but remand the case for entry of a corrected judgment for the attempted aggravated assault.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/20/04
Robert Terry Moore v. The Town of Collierville, et al

W2002-02647-SC-R3-CV

In this workers’ compensation appeal, we must determine whether an employer is liable to a health insurer who paid necessary and reasonable medical expenses incurred by an employee but did not intervene in the workers’ compensation claim to protect its interest. Although the trial court found that the treatment was necessary and reasonable, it further found that the employer was not liable for the medical expenses paid by the employee’s health insurer because the insurer failed to intervene and prove its interest. The employee appealed to the Special Workers’ Compensation AppealsPanel, which transferred the case for full Court review without a recommendation. After reviewing the record and applicable authority, we have determined that the employer is liable to the employee’s health insurer for all reasonable and necessary medical expenses and that the health insurer is not required to intervene in the workers’ compensation suit. Because the record does not fully develop the nature and extent of the expenses paid by the health insurer, we remand to the trial court for that purpose and further action consistent with this opinion.

Authoring Judge: Justice E. Riley Anderson
Originating Judge:Judge John R. McCarroll, Jr.
Shelby County Supreme Court 01/20/04
Kimberly Clark v. Hardee's Food Systems, Inc.,

M2002-02942-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeal Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated Section 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The appellant, employee, has appealed the trial court's decision in this case, holding the employee had failed to carry the burden of proof as to causation, and denied benefits. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the judgment should be affirmed. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (22 Supp.) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed ALLEN W. WALLACE, SR.J., in which ADOLPHO A. BIRCH, JR., J. and JOHN K. BYERS, SR.J., joined. D. Andrew Saulters, Nashville, Tennessee for appellant, Kimberly Clark Vanessa L. Comerford, Brentwood, Tennessee for appellee, Hardee's Food Systems, Inc., et al. MEMORANDUM OPINION ISSUES The issues in this appeal as stated by the employee and employer are whether or not the trial court erred in ruling the employee failed to carry the burden of proof as to medical causation due to inconsistencies in her trial testimony and history given medical professionals. Employee alleges in this appeal that the inconsistencies in her testimony as well as her history given to medical professionals were caused by confusion on her part, or that the alleged inconsistencies were misinterpretations. -2-
Authoring Judge: Allen W. Wallace, Sr.J.
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray, Chancellor
Sumner County Workers Compensation Panel 01/20/04
Dinah Faye Coffman v. Dtr Tennessee, Inc.

E2003-00641-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6- 225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court awarded the employee 66 2/3 percent permanent partial disability. The employer insists the evidence preponderates against the award. Judgment of the trial court is modified to indicate the award is to each arm and the judgment as modified is affirmed. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court is Modified and Affirmed. ROGER E. THAYER, SP. J., in which E. RILEY ANDERSON, J., and JOHN K. BYERS, SR. J., joined. Clarence Risin, of Knoxville, Tennessee, for Appellant, DTR Tennessee, Inc. James M. Davis, of Morristown, Tennessee, for Appellee, Dinah Faye Coffman. MEMORANDUM OPINION The employer, DTR Tennessee, Inc., has appealed from the entry of a judgment awarding the employee, Dinah Faye Coffman, 66 2/3 percent permanent disability. Facts The employee was thirty-seven years of age and dropped out of school when she was in the ninth grade. She later obtained a G.E.D. certificate. Most of her prior work experience was in general labor work. She has been a smoker for many years. She was working for DTR Tennessee on an assembly line where she operated several machines. The work involved repetitive use of her hand and arms. During January 1999, her hands were bothering her to such extent she notified company officials who referred her to a doctor. The doctor referred her to an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Gorman, for treatment. She eventually became dissatisfied with him and decided to find another orthopedic doctor. She chose Dr. Minkin and he diagnosed her condition as bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. He operated on her right arm during April 2. Shortly after this surgery, she had a tonsillectomy and a biopsy indicated she had throat cancer. She was treated with chemotherapy and radiation. After having about nine surgical procedures for the cancer, it was determined she was cancer free and she returned to Dr. Minkin who performed surgery on her left arm during January 22. Ms. Coffman testified the surgery on her arms had improved her condition to some extent but she still had problems using them. She found it difficult to hold objects and often dropped them. She said it was hard to put her makeup on or comb her hair; that she still had some numbness and tingling; she could not do general housework; and she could not work at any of the jobs she had held in the past. She indicated she was drawing Social Security Disability benefits for her total condition and at one point during her examination, she said that her not being able to work was partly due to her cancer. Dr. Paul W. Gorman, an orthopedic hand surgeon, testified by deposition and said he began treating her during June 1999. He said she had weakness in grip strength in both hands and the muscles were tender to touch. His diagnosis was: (1) chronic tobaccoism, (2) mild degree of carpal tunnel syndrome on the right, and (3) some mild degree of cubital tunnel syndrome, which is tenderness over the ulnar nerve at the elbow. The doctor was of the opinion that her smoking was contributing to her symptoms; that her problems had eventually resolved and that she had no permanent disability. Dr. Bruce I. Minkin, an orthopedic hand surgeon, also testified by deposition. When he first saw her during November 1999, he diagnosed her as having bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and performed the release procedures on each arm. The second procedure was much later because of her treatment for throat cancer. He found medical impairment to be 7 percent to the left arm and 3 percent to the right arm. He also recommended she stop smoking but did not attribute the smoking as a cause or contributing cause of her carpal tunnel problem. Dr. William J. Gutch, a retired orthopedic surgeon, testified by deposition. He did not treat her but saw her only for an independent medical examination during July 21, which was after the first arm surgery and before the last arm surgery. His diagnosis was bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and he felt she had a 17 percent impairment to the whole body or a 9 percent impairment to each arm. Dr. Gutch did not see any connection between her smoking habit and the injury to her arms. Standard of Review Our review of the case is de novo accompanied by a presumption that the findings of the trial -2-
Authoring Judge: Roger E. Thayer, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:Hon. Ben K. Wexler, Circuit Judge
Knox County Workers Compensation Panel 01/16/04
State of Tennessee v. Derrick L. Dillard

M2002-03089-CCA-R3-CD

Defendant, Derrick L. Dillard, argues in this appeal that the trial court erred by imposing an illegal sentence following a hearing in which the trial court found that Defendant had violated the terms and conditions of his Community Corrections sentence. The State agrees that the trial court erred. After a full review of the record, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand for entry of an order consistent with this opinion.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Robert E. Burch
Dickson County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/16/04
Alexander C. Wells, v. Tennessee Board of Regents, et al.

M2003-00591-COA-R3-CV

This appeal is the continuation of a protracted dispute between Tennessee State University and a faculty member stemming from his termination for sexually harassing a student. After the courts vacated the dismissal, the university and the Tennessee Board of Regents established a process of transitional reinstatement. The professor objected and refused to report to work. Thereafter, the professor filed a petition in the Chancery Court for Davdison County to hold the university and the board in contempt. The trial court heard the matter without a jury and declined to hold either the university or the board in contempt. The professor has appealed. We affirm because orders declining to grant contempt petitions are not appealable.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor Carol L. McCoy
Davidson County Court of Appeals 01/16/04