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| James R. Hyde v. All American Homes, Llc.
M2000-00899-WC-R3-CV
The trial court awarded the employee thirty-five percent disability to both arms and ordered the award to be paid in a lump sum. The employer contends the award is excessive and the lump sum is not in the employee's best interest. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Howell N. Peoples, Special Judge
Originating Judge:James E. Walton, Circuit Judge |
Robertson County | Workers Compensation Panel | 11/30/00 | |
| Patricia Baldwin v. Waldenbook Company, Inc.
M1999-01577-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with the Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting findings of fact and conclusions of law. The employer contends the trial court erred in finding that the statute of limitations was tolled and that suit was timely filed. As discussed below, the panel has concluded that the judgment of the trial court should be affirmed, finding that suit was timely filed. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(3) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed Frank G. Clement, Jr., Sp.J., in which Frank F. Drowota, III, J., and John A. Turnbull, Sp.J., joined. Richard E. Spicer, Spicer, Flynn, & Rudstrom, PLLC, Nashville,TN, for the appellants, Waldenbook Company, Inc. Scott Daniel, Murfreesboro, TN, for the appellee, Patricia Baldwin. MEMORANDUM OPINION There are two issues to be considered to determine whether suit was filed timely. One issue is whether there was but one compensable injury or two separate compensable injuries. If there was only one compensable injury, the suit was filed timely. If there were two separate compensable injuries, instead of one, then the issue is whether Travelers Insurance Company was authorized, as agent for Waldenbook, to act for and thereby obligate Waldenbook for matters pertaining to the injury(ies). 1 Patricia Baldwin ("Baldwin"), the employee/appellee, began working for Waldenbook Company ("Waldenbook"), the employer/appellant, in 1989. Baldwin's employment consisted of performing general tasks within Waldenbook's warehouse. The first of the two incidents occurred on October 19, 1994. On that date Baldwin was loading books into a Gaylord1 at Waldenbook when she felt her wrist pop. Baldwin's hand immediately began to swell and a ganglion cyst appeared. She reported the injury to Waldenbook immediately. A First Report of Work Injury was completed and filed. Waldenbook sent Baldwin to the nearest local clinic to have her injury examined and/or treated. The clinic recommended Dr. Renfro, a specialist, who provided conservative treatment until February 2, 1995, at which time he performed surgery in order to excise the ganglion cyst. After the surgery, Baldwin returned to work on light duty but continued to complain of wrist pain. Baldwin requested that she be permitted to see another doctor but the request was refused by KM. Though she had returned to work, Baldwin was still restricted to light duty when the second incident occurred. The second incident occurred on May 18, 1995,when Baldwin felt the same wrist pop again. The wrist began to swell in the same place just as it did following the first incident in 1994. Baldwin promptly reported the incident to Waldenbook. Her symptoms were the same as before, only worse. She was authorized to receive further medical care and was treated by eleven doctors. Though the 1995 incident was immediately reported to Waldenbook, and though Baldwin was authorized to be treated by several doctors as a result of this incident, neither Waldenbook nor Travelers ever filed a First Report of Work Injury for this so-called "second injury." The only "First Report" that was filed pertained to the 1994 incident, the so-called "first injury." It is the May 18, 1995 incident which Waldenbook now insists is the second and separate compensable injury. Conversely, Baldwin insists the 1995 incident is merely an aggravation of the first and only injury, which occurred on October 19, 1994. Waldenbook was self-insured from the time Baldwin first became a Waldenbook employee until February 1, 1995. While Waldenbook was self-insured, KM Administrative Services ("KM") served as a third-party administrator processing Waldenbook's workers' compensation claims. Travelers Insurance Company became the designated workers' compensation insurance carrier for Waldenbook on February 1, 1995, Waldenbook was no longer self-insured after that date and KM no longer administered their claims. Both Waldenbook (through KM) and Travelers paid Baldwin's medical bills. Her bills were paid through November 27, 1996. On April 19, 1996, KM verbally informed Baldwin's attorneythat the last voluntary medical 1A large box in which books are packed for shipping. 2
Authoring Judge: Frank G. Clement, Jr., Sp. J
Originating Judge:Hon. Robert E. Corlew, III, Chancellor |
Rutherford County | Workers Compensation Panel | 11/29/00 | |
| Berman Kennedy vs. Darlene Lane-Detman, et al
E2000-01315-COA-R3-CV
The defendant Herbert G. Adcox guaranteed, in part, payment of a $35,000 promissory note executed by Darlene Lane-Detman in favor of the plaintiff Berman D. Kennedy. Adcox's guaranty took the form of a post-dated check in the amount of $30,000. When Detman defaulted on the note and Adcox then stopped payment on the check, the plaintiff sued Adcox on the check. The trial court granted Adcox summary judgment, finding that the record before it established a number of affirmative defenses. We affirm the trial court's decision to grant summary judgment to Adcox, because we find that Kennedy modified the repayment terms of Detman's note without Adcox's consent.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:W. Frank Brown, III |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 11/28/00 | |
| Tindell's Inc. vs. Mary Ava Partin
E2000-01640-COA-R3-CV
This is a suit to recover the sales price of certain materials sold to the Defendant and to enforce a lien against certain property if the judgment rendered is not paid. The Trial Court found in favor of the Plaintiff, resulting in this appeal, wherein the Defendant questions the introduction of certain proof and insists the preponderance of the evidence is contrary to the Trial Court's determination. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Billy Joe White |
Campbell County | Court of Appeals | 11/28/00 | |
| Department of Children's Services, vs. D. & G.M.
E1999-01359-COA-R3-CV
The Trial Judge terminated mother's parental rights to her three minor children. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Suzanne Bailey |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 11/28/00 | |
| Merlin Gene Cletcher v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
M1998-00011-WC-R3-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 findings of fact and conclusions of law. The employer, Wal-Mart, contends the trial court erred when it held 1) that Dr. Dan Jackson's treatment of Plaintiff's workers' compensation injury was reasonable and necessary, 2) that Dr. Jackson, a chiropractor, was and should remain an authorized provider, and 3) that Defendant should pay for all future medical-related charges that Dr. Jackson deems reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the compensable injury which is the subject of this action. After careful review of the record, it is the opinion of this Panel that the decision of the trial court should be affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Hamilton V. Gayden, Jr., Special Judge
Originating Judge:Hon. C.K. Smith, Chancellor |
Macon County | Workers Compensation Panel | 11/28/00 | |
| John Welsh, v. Universal Fasteners, Inc., and The Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Company
M1999_00267_WC_R3_CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. _5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The employee contends the trial court erred in granting the employers motion for summary judgment on grounds that the claim was barred by the statute of limitations. We conclude that the running of the one year statute of limitations was tolled from the time the employee requested assistance of the Department of Labor until his claim for medical benefits was rejected by the claims specialist. Tenn. Code Ann. _5-6-225(e)(3) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Reversed and Remanded TURNBULL , Sp.J., delivered the opinion of court, in which DROWOTA , J., and LOSER, Sp.J., joined. Christopher L. Dunn, Columbia, Tennessee, for the appellant, John Welsh. Delicia R. Bryant, Brewer, Krause & Brooks, Nashville, Tennessee, for the appellees, Universal Fasteners, Inc., and The Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Company. MEMORANDUM OPINION Facts The thirty year old employee, Welsh, is a high school graduate with a work history of manufacturing line employment. He began working for his employer, Universal Fasteners, Inc., in March of 1989, and continues to work there. In the spring of 1996, the employee began experiencing pain in his right shoulder. From September of 1991 until September of 1996, he worked on Universal's plating line. This task required repetitive scooping liquid material [slugs] in one or two gallon buckets weighing between ten and sixty pounds. The task was repeated six times during each seven and one-half minute plating cycle throughout the work day. The pain in employee's shoulder progressed during the summer of 1996, ultimately causing him to report his injury to his employer on September 26, 1996. Welsh then went to Dr. Michael Pagnani who diagnosed bicipital tendinitis with a spur projecting from the under surface of the right acromion and recommended limitation of upper extremity work, and discussed the possibility of rotator cuff surgery if pain persisted. Dr. Pagnani was equivocal as to whether the injury resulted from employment. After initially paying medical expenses, the Yasuda Fire and Marine Insurance Company denied Welch's claim for medical benefits and filed a notice of controversy on November 4, 1996. Yasuda's last voluntary medical payment occurred on November 27, 1996. On November 18, 1996, the employee contacted the Tennessee Department of Labor and requested review of Yasuda's denial of benefits. The record does not contain the entire Department of Labor file, but does indicate the first claim specialist assigned to the case made an investigation and wrote for a medical report on April 23, 1997. Due to change ofpersonnel, a new claim specialist was assigned in the summer of 1997, and on August 8, 1997, she wrote Yasuda and Welsh indicating she found "the medical evidence supports that Mr. Welsh suffers from a compensable work related injury," and stated her position "medical coverage for this claim should be reinstated and recommended courses of treatment ... should be followed." However, on September 19, 1997, the specialist reversed her finding and stated in a letter to Mr. Welsh: "I cannot justify ordering medical and/or lost time benefits in this case. Mine is not the final word however, and you may bring your dispute before a court of proper jurisdiction. You do not have an unlimited time to do so. Tenn. Code Ann., Section 5-6-23 sets a one year statute of limitations to bring a suit for compensation. You may wish to seek legal counsel to properly preserveyour legal rights." The employee retained counsel in January of 1998, and filed suit February 3, 1998. The employee has not missed any work due to his injury, but did make a contingent claim for temporary total and permanent disability benefits in his filed complaint. From the above summarized evidence, the chancellor found no dispute as to any genuine issue of material fact and concluded that Welsh failed to file his complaint within one year from the date of last voluntary payment of medical expenses on November 27, 1996. At the hearing on motion for summary judgment, trial counsel failed to cite or advise the chancellor of the provision [2]
Originating Judge:Hon. Donald P. Harris, Chancellor |
Hickman County | Workers Compensation Panel | 11/28/00 | |
| G.L. Omohundro, et al vs. Paul Harrison, et al
E2000-00666-COA-R3-CV
This is a suit by investors in The Great Smoky Mountain Opry Corporation against a number of defendants including Paul Harrison. The trial court found a violation of the Tennessee Securities Act of 1980 and awarded the plaintiffs a judgment for $56,932.50. Harrison appeals, contending that the judgment should be reversed. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Daryl R. Fansler |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 11/28/00 | |
| Pamela Harper v. Travelers Insurance Co., et al
M1999-01913-WC-R3-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 of findings of fact and conclusions of law. Plaintiff commenced this cause of action on March 18, 1998 alleging that she had developed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to the repetitive use of her hands and arms while employed at Flex Technologies, Inc. The trial court awarded permanent partial disability benefits based on the functional equivalent of 75% to both arms. Flex Technologies, Inc. and The Travelers Insurance Company, respectively, filed this appeal. Appellants contend that the trial court erred 1) by denying Appellants' motion for a continuance of the trial, 2) in accepting the opinion of an independent medical expert over the opinion of the treating physician, and 3) in awarding excessive permanent partial disability benefits. As discussed below, the Panel holds that the trial court's award of permanent partial disability benefits was not excessive and that the judgment of the lower court should be affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Hamilton V. Gayden, Jr, Special Judge
Originating Judge:Hon. James O. Bond, Judge |
Macon County | Workers Compensation Panel | 11/28/00 | |
| David Roberts vs. Essex Microtel Assoc.,et al
E2000-01356-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Richard E. Ladd |
Sullivan County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Elpidio Placencia vs. Lauren Placencia
W1999-01812-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:George H. Brown |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Harry Tusant vs. City of Memphis
W2000-01431-COA-R3-CV
Petitioners, Memphis police officers, filed a petition in chancery court for writ of mandamus to require the city to promote them to certain civil service ranks after they successfully completed the promotional process and are otherwise eligible and qualified for promotion. The trial court denied the petition, and petitioners have appealed.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Floyd Peete, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Elpidio Placencia vs. Lauren Placencia
W1999-01812-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:George H. Brown |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| HMC Technologies Corp.vs. Siebe, Inc.
E2000-01093-COA-R3-CV
In this declaratory judgment action, the plaintiff, HMC Technologies Corp. a/k/a HMC Technologies, Inc. ("HMC"), sued to enforce an indemnification provision contained in a proposal submitted to, and accepted by, the defendant, Siebe, Inc.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Sharon J. Bell |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| State vs. Johnnie Bell, Jr.
E1999-00819-CCA-R9-CD
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Phyllis H. Miller |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Estate of Annie Hamilton et al. v. Walter Morris,et al.
W1998-00191-COA-R3-CV
Proponents of 1992 will of testatrix offered the will for probate, and three beneficiaries of testatrix's 1987 will filed a complaint contesting the 1992 will. Proponents of the 1992 will filed a response to the complaint contesting the 1992 will which, inter alia, denies that the 1987 will is the last will and testament of the testatrix. The chancellor granted summary judgment against the proponents of the 1992 will, holding that the will was void by virtue of proponents' undue influence on testatrix. The chancellor also granted summary judgment for residuary beneficiary of the 1987 will and admitted the 1987 will to probate as the last will and testament of the testatrix. Appellants, the proponents of the 1992 will and contestants of the 1987 will, have appealed.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:J. Steven Stafford |
Dyer County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Jason Kim vs. Nancy Boucher
W2000-00427-COA-R3-CV
A minor pedestrian and his father sued automobile driver for personal injury damages sustained by minor when struck by driver's vehicle. The trial court directed a verdict for the automobile driver at the close of plaintiff's proof. Plaintiff has appealed.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:George H. Brown |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| State vs. Johnnie Bell, Jr.
E1999-00819-CCA-R9-CD
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Phyllis H. Miller |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Stephen Benker V.Williams Telecommunications Service, Inc., et al.
E1999-01967-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 employer has appealed from the trial court's ruling the employee is totally disabled raising issues concerning compensability of the claim and the apportionment of the award. Judgment of the trial court is affirmed. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court is Affirmed. THAYER, SP. J., in which ANDERSON, C. J. and BYERS, SR. J., joined. Robert W. Knolton, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the Appellants, William Telecommunications Service, Inc. and Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania. Paul G. Summers, Attorney General and Reporter, and E. Blaine Sprouse, Assistant Attorney General, of Nashville, Tennessee, for the Appellee, State Second Injury Fund. J. Anthony Farmer, of Knoxville, Tennessee, for the Appellee, Stephen Benker. OPINION The employer, Williams Telecommunications Service, Inc., and the Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, have appealed from the trial court's ruling finding the employee, Stephen Benker, to be totally disabled. Facts Employee Benker was 51 years of age and was a high school graduate with some vocational training. His prior work history was a laborer, maintenance worker, construction worker and carpenter. He was employed as a telephone computer service system installer on September 23, 1997, when he tripped on some phone cords and fell. When this occurred, he testified he twisted his back, felt sharp pain down his leg and some numbness in his low back. Prior to this accident, he had disc surgery in 1975 or 1976 and returned to work. In 199 he had another disc operation and returned to work. He had complaints from back problems for several years prior to the incident in question and had missed work at different times between 199 and the accident in 1997. He has not worked since the September 23rd incident and states he is not able to work at any of the jobs he has held. His wife, Lisa Benker, testified as to his physical limitations and testified that she does everything both inside and outside their home and that "our entire life has changed, everything is different." Dr. John T. Purvis, a neurosurgeon, performed the second surgery in 199 which involved a ruptured disc. He saw the employee again after the incident in question and stated that he had severe osteoarthritis in his low back and with his prior historyof having disc surgery twice, he would be very sensitive to any type of injury to the back. He concluded that Benker sustained an aggravation and acceleration of his lumbar spondylosis to such an extent that he was unable to work; that there was some anatomical change and he was surprised that he had worked as long as he did. He gave impairments of 1 percent due to the 1976 surgery, 15 percent due to the 199 surgery and 1 percent due to the September 1997 accident. Opposing this medical testimony was the written medical report of Dr. Archer Bishop. He performed an independent medical examination on November 1, 1998 and was of the opinion the accident had only increased his pain and that there was no additional impairment. Witness, Julian Nadolsky, a vocational consultant, testified the employee had "no capacity to earn a living in any occupation" based on the opinion of Dr. Purvis. He admitted that there would be no vocational disability under Dr. Bishop's conclusion. The trial court found the accident of September 23, 1997 rendered the employee totally disabled and apportioned the award of permanent total disability pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-28. The court ordered the employer to pay 6 percent of the award and the state second injury fund to pay the remaining 4 percent. Issues on Appeal The employer and insurance company contend: (1) the accident in question did not cause any anatomical change in the employee's pre-existing condition, (2) the employee was not totally disabled as a result of the last accident and (3) the court was in error in apportioning a greater portion -2-
Authoring Judge: Thayer, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:Ben W. Hooper II, Circuit Judge |
Knox County | Workers Compensation Panel | 11/27/00 | |
| Terry Lynn vs. City of Jackson
W1999-01695-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiffs, personal representative of decedent, an adult child of decedent, and a minor child of decedent, filed a wrongful death suit more than one year after decedent's date of death against the City of Jackson pursuant to the Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act (TGTLA). Plaintiffs had filed suit within one year of the date of death in federal court, and after federal court dismissed the case, they filed the instant case two days later in circuit court. The circuit court dismissed plaintiffs' case because it was not filed within one year of the accrual of the cause of action as mandated by TGTLA. Plaintiffs have appealed.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Roy Morgan |
Madison County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Elpidio Placencia vs. Lauren Placencia
W1999-01812-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:George H. Brown |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Mary Slack vs. Bryan Antwine
W2000-00961-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiffs sued to quiet title to property and to establish boundary line. The trial court found that the deed description of plaintiffs' property established their title to the disputed property. Defendant has appealed. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Joe C. Morris |
Henderson County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| Elpidio Placencia vs. Lauren Placencia
W1999-01812-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:George H. Brown |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| David Roberts v. Essex Microtel Associates, Ii, L.P. D/B/A
E2000-COA-R3-CV
Originating Judge:Richard E. Ladd |
Sullivan County | Court of Appeals | 11/27/00 | |
| State vs. Jeffrey Dwight Whaley
E2000-00646-CCA-R3-CD
The trial court dismissed defendant's DUI presentment, finding a denial of the right to a preliminary hearing. Upon the state's appeal, we find no evidence of bad faith by the state. Accordingly, we reverse and remand to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Richard R. Baumgartner |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 11/22/00 |