A truck driver who was injured during a workers compensation treatment session for another injury is entitled to additional benefits, the Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims ruled Wednesday.
Clayton Rash was injured at work and approved for disability benefits and medical treatment. During a physical therapy session, he suffered a rotator cuff tear and sought additional benefits under the state’s “direct and natural consequences” rule.
His employer, Fine Line Transportation LLC, denied the request, arguing the shoulder injury may not have been caused by physical therapy exercises.
The comp court ruled that Mr. Rash was entitled to medical and temporary disability benefits for the shoulder injury because he was likely to prevail at a hearing to address the merits of the secondary injury claim.
The court wrote that new or aggravated injuries are compensable if they are a direct result of the original work injury.