WORKERS COMPENSATION PANEL OPINIONS

Susan v. Cespedes v. Sodexho Marriott Services, Inc., et al.
M2005-00284-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge William H. Inman
Trial Court Judge: Judge Donald P. Harris

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the supreme court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The employee appeals the trial court’s finding that the preponderance of the
evidence failed to prove that the work accident caused the injury to her lower back. The judgment
of the trial court is affirmed.

Washington County Workers Compensation Panel
Cynthia A. Fisher v. Plus Mark, Inc.
E2005-00992-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood
Trial Court Judge: Judge Benjamin K. Wexler

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The trial court awarded the Employee a 50 percent vocational disability for
bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The Employer appeals asserting that the award is excessive. Thejudgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Greene County Workers Compensation Panel
Janie Belle Corn v. Hhs and James Farmer, Director, Division of Worker's Compensation, Tennessee Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development
M2004-02319-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Robert E. Corlew
Trial Court Judge: Judge Thomas W. Graham

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225 (e) (3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The Plaintiff has appealed the action of the trial court, which determined that the Plaintiff's cause of action is barred by the statute of limitations and by failure to provide notice timely in accordance with the law. Upon our consideration of all of the evidence, we find that the evidence preponderates in favor of the findings of the trial court, and we affirm.

Franklin County Workers Compensation Panel
Johnny Collins v. Mid-South Uniform Service, Inc., et al.
M2005-00264-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge William H. Inman
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor John W. Rollins

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the supreme court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. Plaintiff Johnny Collins (“Employee”) filed two complaints, one for a shoulder
injury and the second for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. The complaints were consolidated for
trial by agreement. The trial court awarded Employee 200 weeks of compensation for the shoulder
injury and 200 weeks of compensation for the bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Defendants Mid-
South Uniform Service, Inc., and Zenith Insurance Company (collectively “Employer”) appeal. We
modify Employee’s award for the shoulder injury to 60 weeks of compensation. We affirm
Employee’s award for the bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

Coffee County Workers Compensation Panel
Arthur Perry v. Nps Energy Services, Inc., et al.
W2005-00134-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Allen W. Wallace
Trial Court Judge: Judge D'Army Bailey

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Tennessee Supreme Court of findings of facts and conclusions of law. In this appeal the Appellant/Defendant ("Employer") asserts the trial judge erred in finding the statutory cap of two and one-half multiplier set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-241(a)(1) did not apply, and applying the six times multiplier set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-241(6). Further, Employer alleges that the trial judge erred in finding that Appellee/Plaintiff ("Employee") was unable to make a meaningful return to work as set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 50-6-241. Employer further avers that the trial judge erred in allowing a co-employee to testify as a rebuttal witness when his testimony did not rebut any testimony given by Employer's proof. We conclude the evidence fails to preponderate against the findings of the trial court, and we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Shelby County Workers Compensation Panel
Jeffrey L. Barnett v. City of Murfreesboro
M2005-00275-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Donald P. Harris
Trial Court Judge: Judge Royce Taylor

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court our findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the
Employer asserts that the trial court erred in finding a heart attack suffered by the Employee arose
out of his employment with the City of Murfreesboro and in awarding medical benefits for the
implantation of intra-coronary stints that the employer alleges is treatment for a pre-existing
condition and not a work-related injury. We agree with the findings of the trial judge and, in
accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated §50-6-225(e)(2), affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Rutherford County Workers Compensation Panel
Monica D. Perry v. Gap, Inc.
M2004-02525-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: William H. Inman, Sr. J.
Trial Court Judge: C. K. Smith, Chancellor

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee 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 treating specialist found the Employee not to be impaired due to a pinched nerve in her neck, which was resolving. An independent medical examiner [IME] testified that she retained an 8 percent permanent partial disability impairment. The trial judge accepted the opinion of the IME and awarded the Plaintiff 2 percent permanent partial disability. We do not find that the evidence preponderates against the holding of the trial court. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed WILLIAM H. INMAN, SR. J., in which CORNELIA A. CLARK, J., joined and ROBERT E. CORLEW III, SP. J., filed a dissenting opinion. Richard C. Mangelsdorf, Jr. and Stephen B. Morton, Nashville, Tennessee, attorneys for Appellant, Gap Inc. William Joseph Butler and E. Guy Holliman, Lafayette, Tennessee, attorneys for Appellee, Monica Perry. MEMORANDUM OPINION The Employee alleged that in February 23 she suffered an injury to her neck and left shoulder, and in July and August 23 she suffered a gradual injury to her left and right hands, wrists and to both arms. She specifically alleged temporary total disability,1 and permanent partial disability, for which she sought workers' compensation benefits. The complaint was answered in course. The Employer disclaimed knowledge of gradually occurring injuries and "demanded strict proof of the Plaintiff's claimed entitlement to benefits" while admitting the occurrence of the February 26, 23 accident. Trial was held August 31, 24. The earlier filed depositions of doctors Thomas Tompkins and Walter Wheelhouse were considered by the trial judge, who, following a brief recess, filed a 24- page memorandum opinion emphasizing the testimony of the Employee and awarding her benefits for 2 percent vocational disability. The Employer appeals, asserting that: (1) the trial court erred in denying the Employer's motion to compel an independent medical exam of the Employee pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 5-6-24(d)(1) and Rule 35.1 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure; (2) the evidence preponderates against the degree of vocational disability found by the trial court; and (3) the Employee is not entitled to a disability award pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 5- 6-25(a) and the policies behind the Workers' Compensation Act. Appellate review is de novo on the record, accompanied by a presumption that the judgment is correct unless the evidence otherwise preponderates. Tenn. R. App. P. 13(c); Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e); Lollar v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., 767 S.W.2d 143, 149 (Tenn. 1989). Discussion The Employee is twenty-seven years old, and a single mother of three children. She completed the eighth grade, and has no vocational or occupational skills. She was employed by the Employer when she was eighteen years old. In February 23, she testified that she injured her neck and shoulder during the course of her job in "wand and loading," which she described as loading the trailers with boxes of clothing, ranging in weight from 2 pounds to 5 pounds. She felt a sharp pain in her neck which ran through her shoulder. She was seen and treated by Dr. Tompkins on numerous occasions, but contends that no visit or treatment ever exceeded three minutes. She last saw Dr. Tompkins in August 23, but her pain and numbness continued, interfering with her ability to perform simple household tasks. She never complained at work about her condition. She never mentioned to a supervisor that she was hurting, explaining that if she "said anything she would be put out of work." She earns $13.89 per hour, with health insurance benefits. The Employee takes ibuprofen daily, but admitted she never asked her treating physician for 1 The Employee did not sign the complaint, and it was developed at trial that she lost no time from work, thus negating and refuting this portion of her claim. See Tenn. R. Civ. Pro. 11(3). -2-
Perry County Workers Compensation Panel
Harlan B. Embry v. United Parcel Service, Inc., Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and the Administrator of the Tennessee Second Injury Fund
M2004-02395-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Robert E. Corlew
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Hon. Richard Dinkins

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The Employee has appealed the findings of the trial court, which determined that the Employee is entitled to recover benefits for a permanent partial disability rating of 12.5% apportioned to the right upper extremity and no disability to the left upper extremity, both cubital tunnel injuries. The trial court also found no compensable injury accorded to the Employee's claim for benefits due to his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Further, the Employee appeals from the failure of the trial court to award discretionary costs to him pursuant to the provisions of Rule 54.04 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure. Finally, the Employee has asked the Panel to consider post-judgment facts and render a decision with regard to interest. We hold that the judgment should be affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded.

Davidson County Workers Compensation Panel
Estate of Dennis McFerren v. Infinity Transport, LLC
W2004-02278-SC-WCM-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Clayburn Peeples
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Arnold Goldin

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to and heard by the Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. We find that the trial court did not have jurisdiction over the defendant in the first lawsuit due to insufficient service of process pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 4.03. The doctrine of prior suit pending does not apply, and the second lawsuit was not barred. The trial court erred in setting aside the default judgment against the defendant and dismissing the plaintiff’s complaint. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand the case to the trial court for reinstatement of the default judgment against the defendant.

Shelby County Workers Compensation Panel
Sandra David v. Saturn Corporation
M2004-02104-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge William H. Inman
Trial Court Judge: Judge Stella L. Hargrove

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the supreme court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. Saturn’s employer-funded disability plan paid the Plaintiff disability benefits
after reaching maximum medical improvement when she was placed out of work because her
physician-ordered restrictions could not be accommodated. The Plaintiff claims error in the
offsetting of these disability payments. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Maury County Workers Compensation Panel
Jeffrey Dean Bledsoe v. City of Dickson-Department of Police
M2005-00919-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge William H. Inman
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor George C. Sexton

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The Plaintiff, a thirty-seven year old police officer, suffers from mild
hypertension, readily controlled by medication. He claims that the stress of his job causes his
hypertension, and relies on the presumption created by Tennessee Code Annotated section
7-51-201(a)(1) to support this claim. The trial court held that this presumption was not rebutted and found that the Plaintiff retained a 3 percent anatomical disability owing to the hypertension. We find that the presumption was sufficiently rebutted, and that the evidence preponderates against a finding that the Employee’s hypertension arose out of his employment. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court is reversed.

Bledsoe County Workers Compensation Panel
Robert Merrimon v. Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.
M2003-01978-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge William H. Inman
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Robert E. Corlew III

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the supreme court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The employee complained of back pain for many years, culminating in a
workers’ compensation complaint alleging disability owing to his back problems, with little
specificity. The trial court concluded that the Plaintiff’s condition was not caused by his employment. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Rutherford County Workers Compensation Panel
Deborah Coleman v. Kellogg USA, Inc.
W2005-00771-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Allen W. Wallace
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Walter L. Evans

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 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Tennessee Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court granted summary judgment based upon notice, the statute of limitations, and the hernia statute. We find summary judgment in this case was inappropriate, reverse the judgment of the trial court, and remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Shelby County Workers Compensation Panel
Sandra Denise Tomlin v. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta/Nashville Branch, et al.
M2005-01401-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge William H. Inman
Trial Court Judge: Judge C.L. Rogers

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the supreme court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The Plaintiff asserted gradually occurring back problems coupled with arm
injuries, long subsisting. Her treating physician diagnosed degenerative disc disease, aggravated by the duties of her job. An independent medical examiner, and another physician, disagreed, finding no organic basis for her complaints, which implicated malingering.

Sumner County Workers Compensation Panel
Stacey Bold v. Sonoco Products Company, et al.
W2004-02956-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Robert E. Corlew
Trial Court Judge: Judge Roger A. Page

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The Employee has appealed the findings of the trial court, which determined that the Employee's claim was not compensable because she failed to establish a causal connection between her cervical injury and her employment. We conclude that the evidence is sufficient to establish causation. Therefore, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Madison County Workers Compensation Panel
Danny Conger v. U. S. Food Service, Inc.
W2005-00123-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Robert E. Corlew
Trial Court Judge: Judge C. Creed McGinley

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with the provisions of Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225 (e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The Employer has appealed the findings of the trial court, which determined that the Employee is entitled to recover permanent partial disability of 55% apportioned to the body as a whole. We conclude that the trial court erred in denying the Employer the right to obtain an independent medical evaluation, and, under the facts of this case, that decision was so prejudicial that it constitutes reversible error. We remand the case to allow the Employer to obtain an independent medical evaluation and for retrial.

Carroll County Workers Compensation Panel
Bobby R. Bruner v. Odom Construction Systems, Inc.
E2004-02862-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Roger E. Thayer
Trial Court Judge: Judge Wheeler A. Rosenbalm

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the supreme court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The trial court awarded Plaintiff 100 percent permanent disability. On appeal,
Defendant argues (1) the trial court was in error in finding Plaintiff’s headaches and depression were caused by the accident and, (2) the evidence does not support a finding of total permanent disability. The judgment is affirmed.

Knox County Workers Compensation Panel
Robert R. Oates, Sr. v. Pinkerton Government Services, Inc.
E2004-02671-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Roger E. Thayer
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Howell N. Peoples

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the supreme court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The trial court awarded Plaintiff 100 percent permanent disability. Defendant
contends that Plaintiff’s pre-existing cancer and not a work-related event was the cause of his
disability. Plaintiff argues the trial court was in error in failing to provide that all medical expenses
be paid directly to the Plaintiff. Judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Hamilton County Workers Compensation Panel
Royal & Sunalliance v. Richard L. Loyd
M2005-00126-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge William H. Inman
Trial Court Judge: Judge Royce Taylor

This workers’ compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation
Appeals Panel of the Tennessee Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated
section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the supreme court of findings of fact and
conclusions of law. The Employee suffered a carpal tunnel injury to both hands. Surgery was
performed on both hands with good results. The same medical impairment was awarded for each arm, but the trial court awarded 8 percent vocational disability to the left arm, and 32 percent to the right arm. The Employer appeals arguing that there is no factual basis for the 400 percent difference. We affirm.

Rutherford County Workers Compensation Panel
Cora Jean Earls v. Sompo Japan Ins. Co. of America, et al.
M2004-02223-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Donald P. Harris
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Larry B. Stanley, Jr.

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court our findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the
employer asserts that the trial court erred in finding the employee had sustained a compensable injury during the course of her employment with Calsonic Yorozu Corporation and in awarding the
employee 44% permanent partial disability. We conclude that the evidence presented does not
preponderate against the findings of the trial judge and, in accordance with Tennessee Code
Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(2), affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Tenn.

Warren County Workers Compensation Panel
Charles Cross v. Norrod Builders, Inc., et al.
M2005-00743-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Donald P. Harris
Trial Court Judge: Judge John Maddux

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court our findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employer asserts that the trial court erred in failing to order the Employee to submit to a medical examination requested by the Employer, in admitting improper evidence concerning a Form C-32, Standard Form Medical Report for Industrial Injuries (C-32) submitted by the Employer, in failing to consider that C-32, and in awarding to the Employee 75% permanent partial disability to the body as a whole as a result of an injury sustained during the course of his employment with Norrod Builders, Inc. We conclude that the trial court committed no error and the evidence presented does not preponderate against the findings of the trial judge. In accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated §50-6-225(e)(2), the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Putnam County Workers Compensation Panel
Debra Ann Seybold v. Clarksville Montgomery County School System
M2005-00259-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Donald P. Harris
Trial Court Judge: Chancello Carol Catalano

This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court our findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the
employee asserts that the trial court erred in finding that the employee failed to prove a work-related injury and in dismissing her claim for workers' compensation benefits. We conclude that the evidence presented does not preponderate against the findings of the trial judge and, in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated §50-6-225(e)(2), affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Montgomery County Workers Compensation Panel
Karam Hanna v. Gaylord Entertainment Company
M2004-00413-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Senior Judge Donald P. Harris
Trial Court Judge: Judge Barbara Haynes

This is an appeal from the dismissal of a workers' compensation claim for failure to prosecute and to abide by the orders of the trial court with regard to setting the case for hearing. The employee filed a motion to alter or amend the dismissal order which was denied by the trial court. The employee appealed. Finding no abuse of discretion on part of the trial court, we affirm the dismissal.

Davidson County Workers Compensation Panel
Lee Franklin Grace v. Kehe Food Distributors, Inc.
E2005-0064-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor Frank V. Williams, III

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 hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court awarded plaintiff seventy-five (75) percent permanent, partial vocational disability to the left leg. On appeal, the employer contends that the employee's injury was not work related and therefore not compensable. The employer also contends that benefits should be denied because the Plaintiff failed to provide the requisite notice of injury to the employer and that the action was not timely filed within the applicable statute of limitations. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Roane County Workers Compensation Panel
Elizabeth Northern v. Sonoco Products Company
W2004-02538-WC-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Clayburn Peeples
Trial Court Judge: Chancellor James F. Butler

This is a workers' compensation appeal referred to and heard by the Special Workers'  Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated section 50-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The defendant contends that the trial court erred in awarding the plaintiff a 25% permanent partial disability rating to both arms for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and right trigger thumb and ring finger. We disagree and therefore affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Madison County Workers Compensation Panel