APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

Dr. Nord's Mouth As Was Successfully Done Bycounsel In Kerr v. Magic Chef, 793 S.W.2D 927, 928-

W1999-00743-SC-WCM-CV
The defendant, Jackson Appliance Company, appeals the judgment of the Chancery Court of Madison County awarding plaintiff, Bobby Gates, twenty-five (25) percent permanent partial disability to the body as a whole. For the reasons stated in this opinion, We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Henry D. Bell, Special Judge
Originating Judge:Hon. Joe C. Morris, Chancellor
Madison County Workers Compensation Panel 06/27/01
Bobby Gates v. Jackson Appliance Company

W1999-00743-SC-WCM-CV
The defendant, Jackson Appliance Company, appeals the judgment of the Chancery Court of Madison County awarding plaintiff, Bobby Gates, twenty-five (25) percent permanent partial disability to the body as a whole. For the reasons stated in this opinion, We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: W. Michael William Michael Maloan, Special Judge
Originating Judge:Hon. Joe C. Morris, Chancellor
Madison County Workers Compensation Panel 06/27/01
John Sands v. Murray Outdoor Products, Inc.

W2000-00468-SC-WCM-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Worker's Compensation Panel of the Supreme Court inaccordance with Tennessee Code Annotated _ 5-6-225(e) for a hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The plaintiff has appealed contending that the trial court erred in granting the defendant a motion to dismiss his complaint pursuant to Rule 41, Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, for a work-related injury occurring on October 6, 1998. After a review of the entire record, briefs of the parties and applicable law, judgment of the trial court is reversed and remanded. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court is Reversed and Remanded. L. TERRY LAFFERTY, SR. J., in which JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and JOE C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., joined. Ricky L. Boren, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellant, John Sands. J. Arthur Crews, II and Michael A. Carter, for the appellee, Murray Outdoor Products, Inc. MEMORANDUM OPINION The plaintiff, age forty (4), testified that on April 29, 1997, while pulling a load of engines, he twisted his back and it popped. The plaintiff reported his injury and he was treated by Dr. John Holancin, but Workers' Compensation sent the plaintiff to see Dr. David Johnson who ran an MRI. The plaintiff lost no work and was on light duty for six (6) weeks. Between his return to work and October 1998, the plaintiff's back would lock up and his legs would tingle from prolonged standing about three to four times a month. The plaintiff stated that on October 6, 1998, he was picking up a unit off the floor to set it on the line, when his back went out and he hit the floor in pain. The plaintiff saw Dr. Holancin, who ordered a CT scan. At the request of the defendant, the plaintiff was referred to Dr. John Brophy. The plaintiff stated that he was restricted in his ability to do any lifting or bending while on light duty. The plaintiff testified that he saw Dr. Robert Barnett and that Dr. Barnett's nurse took down his history. When asked if he told the nurse about the October 1998 injury, the plaintiff stated, "I believe I did." In several parts of his testimony, the plaintiff is sure that he told the nurse about his October injury and cannot explain why such event is not recorded in her intake notes. The plaintiff admitted that while talking to Dr. Barnett he did not tell Dr. Barnett about the October injury. In his deposition, Dr. John D. Brophy, a neurosurgeon, testified that he first saw the plaintiff on January 6, 1999. Dr. Brophy obtained the plaintiff's historyin which the plaintiff injured his back in April 1997, while pulling a load of engines at work. An MRI was within normal limits. After conservative treatment, the plaintiff described approximately a twenty percent (2%) improvement from his injury. In October 1998, the plaintiff re-injured his back from lifting a lawn mower. Dr. Brophy reviewed the films of a CAT scan which revealed a bulging disc at L-5 S- 1. Dr. Brophy would not call this bulge a "ruptured disc." It was Dr. Brophy's opinion that the clinical exam of the plaintiff was a myofascial pain syndrome, with no evidence of radiculopathy. Dr. Brophy permitted the plaintiff to return to work full time without any restrictions on January 18, 1999. Dr. Brophy recommended to the plaintiff that he commence a physical exercise program, which consisted of walking and other activities. Dr. Brophy saw the plaintiff on March 17, 1999, with a complaint of no improvement in his pain syndrome. Dr. Brophy recommended that he continue his walking exercises. An evaluation of AP and lateral spine thoracic films demonstrated multi-level spondylosis. On October 6, 1999, the plaintiff returned with a complaint of continuing pain to his back and leg. Dr. Brophy's physical overall exam found the plaintiff's strength, gait, sensory, and symmetric reflexes normal. As of October 6, 1999, Dr. Brophy opined that the plaintiff had a zero permanent partial impairment rating, with no permanent restrictions. When asked about the differences in the MRI of 1997 and the CAT scan of 1998, the question was: Q. Doctor, certainly a lifting incident is capable of causing a bulging disc, is that correct? A. Yes. Q. And - - A. - - And the most common hist ory I get is I just woke up with it, Doctor, I don't understand. Q. But that's not the history you got in this case? A. No. -2-
Authoring Judge: L. Terry Lafferty, Senior Judge
Originating Judge:Julian P. Guinn, Judge
Carroll County Workers Compensation Panel 06/27/01
State of Tennessee v. Orlando Crayton

W2000-00213-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Orlando Crayton, was convicted of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon, and two counts of vandalism under $500.00. The trial court sentenced the defendant to 11 months, 29 days for each vandalism count, six years for aggravated assault, two years for reckless endangerment and 11 months, 29 days for unlawful possession of a weapon. Because the sentences were ordered to be served concurrently, the effective sentence is six years. In this appeal of right, the defendant challenges (1) the admissibility of evidence indicating the defendant's gang affiliation; (2) the admission of an estimate regarding the damage to a vehicle; and (3) the admission of a hearsay statement. The judgment is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen
Gibson County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/27/01
State of Tennessee v. Michael P. Healy

W1999-01510-CCA-R3-CD

On November 24, 1998, the Shelby County Grand Jury indicted the Defendant for one count of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated assault. Following a subsequent jury trial, the Defendant was convicted on both counts. On September 30, 1998, after a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced the Defendant as a career offender to serve thirty years incarceration for the aggravated robbery consecutively to fifteen years for the aggravated assault. The court also ordered both sentences served consecutively to a sentence for which the Defendant was on parole. On appeal, the Defendant claims that the trial court should have instructed the jury to consider robbery and theft as lesser-included offenses of aggravated robbery and that the trial court should have instructed the jury to consider reckless endangerment, reckless aggravated assault and simple assault as lesser-included offenses of aggravated assault. After a review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.as lesser-included offenses of aggravated assault. After a review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court., we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph B. Dailey
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Eric D. Thomas

W1999-00337-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant, Eric D. Thomas, pled guilty to four counts of robbery and was sentenced to six years for each conviction. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively, which ruling the Defendant now appeals. The judgment of the trial court ordering the Defendant's sentences to run consecutively is reversed, and this matter is remanded for resentencing on the issue of consecutive sentences.

Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph B. Dailey
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State vs. Reginald Terry

W2000-00090-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant was convicted by a Shelby County jury of attempted aggravated burglary. The Defendant was sentenced as a Range I, standard offender to three years incarceration. The Defendant now appeals, arguing that (1) in spite of his untimely motion for a new trial, this Court should consider each issue he has presented on appeal, (2) there was insufficient evidence to support a conviction against the Defendant for attempted aggravated burglary, (3) the trial court erred in refusing to instruct the jury on the lesser-included offenses of aggravated criminal trespass and criminal trespass, (4) the trial court made an improper comment on the evidence in violation of the Tennessee Constitution, and (5) the trial court erred in allowing in rebuttal proof of other crimes committed by the Defendant. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:W. Fred Axley
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State vs. Frank Johnson

W2000-00386-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was indicted by a Shelby County Grand Jury for driving while an habitual motor vehicle offender, felony evading arrest, and driving under the influence of an intoxicant, fourth offense (felony DUI), all charges arising from a single incident. The defendant pled guilty to driving while an habitual motor vehicle offender, a Class E felony, with punishment reserved until after trial of the other offenses. Following a jury trial, the defendant was found guilty of felony evading arrest, a Class E felony, not guilty of felony DUI, and sentenced to consecutive, six-year terms as a career offender for driving while an habitual motor vehicle offender and for felony evading arrest, resulting in an effective sentence of twelve years. The trial court also assessed fines of $2000 on each conviction. In this appeal as of right, the defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient as to the felony evading arrest conviction, that the jury should have been instructed as to lesser-included offenses, and that the sentences should not be served consecutively. Based upon our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Chris B. Craft
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Eric Phillips

W1999-01800-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant appeals and asserts that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction for first degree premeditated murder. After review, we hold that the evidence is sufficient; therefore, we affirm the defendant's conviction.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge John P. Colton, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Mario Rogers

W1999-01454-CCA-R3-CD

In 1999, a Shelby County jury found the Defendant guilty of aggravated robbery, and the trial court sentenced him as a Range I, standard offender to eight years incarceration. In this appeal as of right, the Defendant presents the following issues for our review: (1) whether the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support his conviction; (2) whether the trial court erred by admitting into evidence the gun alleged to have been used in the robbery; (3) whether the trial court erred by allowing testimony by the victim concerning the death of the victim's mother; (4) whether the trial court improperly instructed the jury; and (5) whether the cumulative effect of errors at trial warrants a new trial. Having reviewed the record, we find no error and accordingly affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Arthur T. Bennett
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Joyce Ann Rice

W2000-01766-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, a construction company payroll clerk, was convicted of fourteen counts of forgery, Class E felonies, and one count of theft of property over $1000, a Class D felony, for utilizing her position at the company to write and cash invalid checks on her employer's account. She was sentenced as a Range II, multiple offender to three years on each forgery conviction, and six years on the theft conviction, to be served concurrently for an effective sentence of six years. In this appeal as of right, the defendant argues that the trial court erred in allowing evidence of her prior crimes to be admitted at trial, and that the evidence was not sufficient to support her convictions. After a careful review, we conclude that the trial court did not err in allowing the State to impeach the defendant's credibility by questioning her about her prior convictions, and that the evidence was sufficient to support the jury's verdict. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Roger A. Page
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
Jerry L. Luster v. J. Larry Craven, Jr.

W2000-02217-CCA-R3-CD

The petitioner, Jerry L. Luster, appeals pro se the summary dismissal of his petition for writ of habeas corpus. Because the petition was filed in the wrong county, we affirm the trial court's dismissal of the request for habeas corpus relief.

Authoring Judge: Special Judge Cornelia A. Clark
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan, Jr.
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
Jerry Anderson v. State of Tennessee

W2000-03141-CCA-R3-CO

Petitioner appeals the denial by the trial court of his writ of habeas corpus and writ of certiorari. Petitioner contended in his petition that he previously pled guilty in the Criminal Court of Madison County to the offenses of facilitation of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit especially aggravated robbery, and arson, and received an effective sentence of 60 years. He further contended that court did not have jurisdiction to try him as an adult; his rights to double jeopardy were violated as a result of his transfer to the Criminal Court; and he received ineffective assistance of trial counsel. On appeal, he claims the trial court erred in dismissing his petition without appointing counsel, without conducting a hearing, and by failing to make findings of fact and conclusions of law. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge Lee Moore
Lake County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Marcia C. Robinson and Sammy Claude Wilson

W2000-02085-CCA-R3-CD

After a jury trial, Defendants were convicted of one count of attempt to manufacture methamphetamine and two counts of possession of methamphetamine. The trial court sentenced each Defendant to three (3) years in the Department of Correction for attempt to manufacture methamphetamine and eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days for possession of methamphetamine. In this appeal as of right, Defendants assert that the trial court erred as to whether Defendant, Sammy Wilson, gave Investigator Markin consent to search his truck. From our review of the transcript of the motion to suppress, the trial record, briefs of the parties and applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge L. Terry Lafferty
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan, Jr.
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State vs. Russell Snider

W2000-01240-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Russell Snider, was convicted by a jury of third offense driving under the influence (DUI). He was sentenced to eleven months, twenty-nine days, with four months and twenty-nine days suspended. In this appeal as of right, the Defendant asserts (1) that he was prejudiced by the video recording of his performance of field sobriety tests because the video recording depicts an unqualified officer performing the horizontal gaze nystagmus test and (2) that the DUI sentencing statute is void for vagueness because it fails to give a person of ordinary intelligence fair notice that his or her conduct is forbidden by the statute. We hold that the Defendant was not prejudiced by the admission of the video and that the DUI sentencing statute is not void for vagueness. Therefore, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Chris B. Craft
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
Karrie Gentry vs. Bryan Gentry

E2000-02714-COA-R3-CV
This is a divorce case. Karrie Beth Gentry ("Mother") was awarded primary residential custody of the parties' two minor children, and Bryan Keith Gentry ("Father") was ordered to pay child support of $2,100 per month. Father appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in imputing income to him for the purpose of determining child support. Because we find that the trial court properly calculated Father's income based upon what it found to be the only credible evidence presented at trial, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:L. Marie Williams
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Donnell Booker

E2000-02137-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant was convicted by a Knox County jury of aggravated assault, a Class C felony. The Defendant was sentenced as a Range II multiple offender to nine years incarceration in the state penitentiary. The Defendant now appeals, arguing that insufficient evidence was presented at trial to convict him of aggravated assault. Finding no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Mary Beth Leibowitz
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. William Butler Bolling

E2000-03166-CCA-R3-CD

William Butler Bolling appeals from the Sullivan County Criminal Court's determination that he serve his plea bargained, effective two-year sentence for gambling crimes in the Department of Correction. He claims he should have received some form of alternative sentencing, preferably probation, for his felony conviction. Because Bolling has failed to demonstrate the error of the trial court's determination, we affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
Pearl Lynell Potts, Indiv.and Executor of the Estate of Gordon Ray Potts, Sr., Deceased, vs. Mary Potts Mayforth, et al vs. Alice Elizabeth Nelson

E2000-03116-COA-R3-CV
The Trial Court entered a Default Judgment against Potts pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 37.02 and then summary judgment for plaintiffs. On appeal by defendants, we affirm the Judgment of the Trial Court.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:G. Richard Johnson
Carter County Court of Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Rhonda Grills

E2000-01031-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Rhonda Grills, was convicted of facilitation of the felony rape of a child less than 13 years of age. The trial court imposed a Range I sentence of 10 years. The defendant was fined $25,000.00. In this appeal of right, the defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence. Because the evidence is adequate to support the facilitation of the rape of a child, the judgment is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge R. Jerry Beck
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Demetrius Holmes - Dissenting

E2000-02263-CCA-R3-CD

I respectfully dissent. I agree with the majority opinion that the granting or denial of a mistrial is a matter within the sound discretion of the trial court and that a trial court should grant a mistrial only when it is of “manifest necessity.” I would add that the burden of establishing a “manifest necessity” is upon the appellant. State v. Williams, 929 S.W.2d 385, 388 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1996).

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Richard R. Baumgartner
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Demetrius Holmes

E2000-02263-CCA-R3-CD

A Knox County jury convicted the defendant of aggravated robbery, and the trial court sentenced him as a Range I offender to eleven years incarceration. The defendant now appeals and raises the following issues: (1) whether the trial court erred by not granting a mistrial when a detective improperly testified that the Defendant was “well known for home invasions,” (2) whether the state failed to disclose fingerprint evidence in a timely fashion, and (3) whether sufficient evidence supported the defendant’s conviction for aggravated robbery. Finding that the trial court erred in denying the motion to declare a mistrial, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand for a new trial.

Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Richard R. Baumgartner
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
Donald Ferrell v. York Trucking, Inc.,

M2000-01350-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to theSpecial Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated _ 5-6- 225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court found the plaintiff had suffered an assault during the course and scope of his employment, which resulted in a permanent disability of 4 percent to the body as a whole as a result of a psychiatric injury. The trial judge also awarded the plaintiff temporary total disability, future medical benefits and other costs. 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 is Affirmed JOHN K. BYERS, Sr. J., in which FRANK F. DROWOTA, III, J. and JOSEPH C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., joined. Robert J. Uhorchuk, Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the appellants, York Trucking, Inc. et al. H. Thomas Parsons, Manchester, Tennessee, for the appellee, Donald Ferrell. MEMORANDUM OPINION Review of the findings of fact made by the trial court is de novo upon the record of the trial court, accompanied by a presumption of the correctness of the findings, unless the preponderance of the evidence is otherwise. TENN. CODE ANN. _ 5-6-225(e)(2); Stone v. City of McMinnville, 896 S.W.2d 548, 55 (Tenn. 1995). The application of this standard requires this Court to weigh in more depth the factual findings and conclusions of the trial courts in workers' compensation cases. See Corcoran v. Foster Auto GMC, Inc., 746 S.W.2d 452, 456 (Tenn. 1988). Plaintiff's Biography The plaintiff was age fifty at the time of the trial. He had not completed the eighth grade in school. His work history consisted almost entirely of being a truck driver and tow-motor operator. He is married and does not have any children. History of Previous Injuries The plaintiff had a workers' compensation claim in 1982 and another in 1991. Each of these was settled. The 1991 injury occurred when the plaintiff fell from a truck of a previous employer. The plaintiff injured his neck, shoulder and lower back in that accident. Approximately nine months after the 1991 incident, the plaintiff developed a condition known as syncope, which is a fainting episode that results from coughing that causes restricted blood flow to a person's heart. In addition to the syncope, the plaintiff developed blurred vision, dizziness, headaches and depression. The episodes of fainting diminished somewhat prior to the injury in this case. The plaintiff testified the other symptoms he suffered never stopped bothering him. Discussion of Current Case This case arose out of an occurrence on July 15, 1997. The plaintiff and his wife, who drove with him because of his history of fainting, were in the course of their employment with the defendant employer. They stopped at a restaurant in Murfreesboro at approximately 3: a.m. The plaintiff and his wife went into the restaurant and got food to go. When they returned to the truck, the plaintiff's wife got into the truck and took the passenger's seat. The plaintiff testified he heard a noise at the back of the truck and went in that direction to investigate. The plaintiff said he heard something and turned and saw a man in a blue shirt. Then said the plaintiff, "my lights went out in Georgia." The plaintiff's wife did not see or hear anything occurring, but she became concerned when the plaintiff did not come into the truck. She testified she looked out toward the back of the truck and saw the plaintiff lying on the ground about half way down the length of the truck. She went to the plaintiff and held him in her lap. She got the attention of another truck driver who summoned aid from the restaurant. This driver left the area without being identified. An employee of the restaurant came out to help with the plaintiff and verified that the plaintiff was lying on the ground in an unconscious state. The only difference between the witness' testimony and that of the plaintiff's wife was that the restaurant employee said the plaintiffwas lying much nearer the driver door than did the wife. -2-
Authoring Judge: John K. Byers, Sr. J.
Originating Judge:Jeffery Stewart, Chancellor
Franklin County Workers Compensation Panel 06/26/01
Mary Ella Franklin v. Troll Associates,

W1999-01164-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 _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 plaintiff twenty percent permanent partial disability to the right upper extremity for a wrist injury and an additional twenty percent permanent partial disability to the right upper extremity for a shoulder injury. Defendant appealed the decision of the trial court. We affirm and modify the judgment of the trial court. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed and Modified DON R. ASH, SP. J., in which JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and JOHN K. BYERS, SR. J., joined. Ralph T. Gibson, Memphis, TN, for the Appellant, Troll Associates, et al. Matthew S. Russell and John L. McWhorter, Memphis, TN, for the Appellee, Mary Ella Franklin. MEMORANDUM OPINION History Plaintiff, Mary Franklin ("Franklin"), filed a Complaint for workers' compensation benefits on May 3, 1996. The trial was heard on June 23, 1999. At the conclusion of the proof, the trial court awarded Franklin twenty percent permanent partial disability to the right upper extremity for her wrist injury and an additional twenty percent permanent partial disability to the right upper extremity for her shoulder injury. Defendants, Troll Associates and Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., appeal the decision of the trial court. For the reasons discussed below, we affirm and modify the decision of the trial court. Facts Franklin was employed at Troll Associates, Inc. ("Troll"), from September 1993 until November 1994. During her employment Franklin operated a plastic packaging and sealing machine and did some line work. Franklin would package approximately 2, packages on an average workday. Franklin's job also required her to do some repetitive lifting. Franklin began to experience pain in her right arm and shoulder. Subsequently, Franklin reported her injuryto her supervisor, who referred her to Dr. Phillip Mintz for treatment. Next, Dr. Mintz referred Franklin to an orthopedic doctor, and she was sent to Dr. Riley Jones. Dr. Jones saw Franklin concerning her complaints. She was given pain medication and sent back to work. On November 28, 1994 Dr. Jones opined Franklin had reached maximum medical improvement. Later Franklin returned to Dr. Jones with the same complaints. Dr. Jones then conducted an EMG and diagnosed her with carpal tunnel syndrome and recommended surgery. On January 3, 1995, Franklin underwent right endoscopic carpal tunnel release and right DeQuervains release. Before and after the surgery Franklin testified she told Dr. Jones of her concerns about her shoulder. On April 1, 1995, Dr. Jones stated that Franklin was ready to return to work. Dr. Jones found no permanent partial impairment as a result of Franklin's carpal tunnel injury and surgery. Further, Dr. Jones found no permanent partial impairment related to Franklin's shoulder because he never treated her for the injury. Subsequently, Franklin went to Dr. Wilkinson and complained of pain over the back of her right shoulder. Dr. Wilkinson could not find a relationship between her shoulder pain and her carpal tunnel injury. He gave Franklin a three percent permanent partial impairment to her right upper extremity as a result of the residual from her carpal tunnel syndrome. Finally, an unauthorized physician, Dr. Aronoff, examined Franklin. Franklin did not seek approval from Troll before she incurred these additional medical costs. Dr. Aronoff diagnosed Franklin with a chronic rotator cuff, tendinitis, impingement syndrome, and an arthritic AC joint. On May 6, 1996, Dr. Aronoff performed successful surgery on Franklin's shoulder. Dr. Aronoff gave Franklin a permanent partial impairment to the right upper extremity of ten percent. Further, Dr. Aronoff gave Franklin a separate ten percent permanent partial impairment rating for the residual from her carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Aronoff further opined that Franklin's injuries were consistent with her work history dealing with repetitive overhead lifting. Medical Evidence At trial the evidentiary deposition testimony of Dr. Jones, Dr. Wilkinson, and Dr. Aronoff were entered into evidence. Dr. Jones never treated Franklin for the shoulder injury, and Dr. Wilkinson testified there was no relationship between the Franklin's carpal tunnel injury and her -2-
Authoring Judge: Don R. Ash, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:D.J. Alissandratos, Chancellor
Franklin County Workers Compensation Panel 06/26/01
Jerry Russell v. Bill Heard Enterprises, Inc.,

W2000-00965-WC-R3-CV
In this appeal, the employer-appellant insists (1) the trial court erred in admitting into evidence the expert testimony of an independent medical examiner, (2) the award of permanent partial disability benefits based on 2 percent to the body as a whole is excessive and (3) the trial court erred in commuting the award to a lump sum, sua sponte. The employee-appellee insists the award of permanent partial disability benefits should be increased to one based on 4 percent to the body as a whole. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the award should be reduced to one based on 15 percent to the body as a whole, payable periodically.
Authoring Judge: Joe C. Loser, Jr., Sp. J.
Originating Judge:James F. Russell, Judge
Shelby County Workers Compensation Panel 06/26/01