North Carolina Full Commission Reaffirms Applying Revised Standard in Third Extended Benefits Decision

Tracey Jones and Heather Baker

On July 26, 2022, the Full Commission issued another extended benefits decision, Messick v. Walmart Stores, Inc. The panel consisted of Vice-Chair Griffin, Commissioner Taylor and Commissioner Goodman.  In this case, the Full Commission awarded the claimant extended benefits. The issue of extended benefits was not an issue at the Deputy Commissioner level. The Deputy…

Maximizing Post-Injury Earning Capacity

Heather Baker

Getting an injured worker back to work is often the ultimate goal when mitigating exposure. When considering how to best maximize an injured worker’s post-injury earning capacity, employers and adjusters should attempt to collect information regarding an injured worker’s potential pre-existing limitations, vocational skills, education, and experience as early as possible. This could be done…

NC Industrial Commission Update

Heather Baker

Former state representative Ken Goodman has been confirmed as a Commissioner at the Industrial Commission by unanimous vote in the House and Senate of the General Assembly on April 18, 2019. He previously served as a Democratic member of the General Assembly representing the 66th district in Montgomery, Richmond, and Stanly Counties. James Gillen has…

Case Law Update: Attendant Care

Heather Baker

Thompson v. International Paper Co. On February 23, 2012, Darrell Thompson was involved in an at-work accident and suffered severe burns that covered more than 23% of his body, mostly to his left shoulder and arm.  Following the injury, Mr. Thompson underwent three major skin graft surgeries and received treatment from several providers at the…