STATE OF LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT
12-1186
CINDY COLWELL
VERSUS
THE SUMMIT RETIREMENT CENTER
**********
APPEAL FROM THE COMPENSATION, DISTRICT 2 PARISH OF RAPIDES, NO. 11-04734 JAMES L. BRADDOCK, JUDGE
J. DAVID PAINTER JUDGE
Court composed of Elizabeth A. Pickett, J. David Painter, and Phyllis M. Keaty, Judges.
AFFIRMED.
George A. Flournoy Flournoy & Doggett (APLC) P.O. Box 1270 Alexandria, LA 71309 (318) 487-9858 COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE: Cindy Colwell
Lawrence B. Frieman Janna C. Bergeron Juge, Napolitano, Guilbeau, Ruli & Frieman 330 North New Hampshire Street Covington, LA 70433 (337) 831-7270 COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT-APPELLANT: The Summit Retirement Center PAINTER, Judge.
he ummit etirement enter ( ummit) appeals the ruling of the orkers’
Compensation Judge (WCJ) finding in favor of Cindy Colwell (Colwell) and
awarding temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, medical expenses, travel
expenses, $8,000.00 in penalties, and $10,000.00 in attorney fees. We affirm and
award Colwell an additional $3,500.00 in attorney fees for work done in
connection with this appeal.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Colwell, a registered nurse, was employed by Summit. At approximately
4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2011, Colwell was assisting another nurse in
transferring a patient from a wheelchair to a bed. Colwell alleged that the transfer
was difficult because the patient was heavyset and that this was the only strenuous
activity that she had to perform at work that day. Colwell left work at 5:00 p.m.,
drove home, and then later met her daughter and granddaughter for dinner. At
dinner, Colwell began to feel burning and tingling in her neck. Over the weekend,
the pain significantly worsened, and, on Sunday, she reported the transfer incident
to her supervisor and told her supervisor that she was going to the emergency
room. olwell’s mother took her to the emergency room. She attempted to return
to work on February 21 and 22, 2011, but was unable to do so. Her primary care
physician, Dr. Bruce Barton, took Colwell off work and referred her to a
neurosurgeon, Dr. Gregory Dowd (Dr. Dowd). An MRI showed a C5-6 disc
protrusion. Dr. Dowd related this to the transfer incident of February 11, 2011.
Colwell began conservative treatment and returned to work on light duty on April
4, 2011. ummit terminated olwell’s employment on June 20, 2011, but did pay
(and is continuing to pay) indemnity benefits. Colwell began treating with Dr. Clark Gunderson (Dr. Gunderson), an
orthopedist, on July 5, 2011. She underwent an anterior cervical fusion performed
by Dr. Gunderson on November 21, 2011. Summit paid for the surgery. At
present, she is still treating with Dr. Gunderson and has not been released to return
to work because, in addition to her neck problems, she is suffering from carpal
tunnel syndrome and depression.
Colwell filed a disputed claim for compensation seeking payment of medical
expenses, travel expenses, and penalties and attorney fees. Following trial, the
WCJ found that Colwell had met her burden of proving that she suffered a work-
related accident on February 11, 2011, and was entitled to TTD benefits; that
Colwell had met her burden of proving that her carpal tunnel syndrome was work-
related and that Summit was responsible for medical treatment associated
therewith; that Summit was responsible for payment of the costs of treatment for
depression and associated medications; and that Summit was responsible for travel
expenses. he J further awarded olwell $8,000.00 in penalties for ummit’s
failure to pay for anti-depressant medication, failure to pay hotel and meal
expenses, failure to pay mileage expenses, failure to pay medication costs, and
failure to pay for a rib x-ray. Colwell was also awarded $10,000.00 in attorney
fees. Summit filed this appeal, and Colwell answered the appeal seeking an
increased award of attorney fees for work necessitated by this appeal. For the
following reasons, we affirm the ruling of the WCJ in its entirety and award an
additional $3,500.00 in attorney fees for work done in connection with this appeal.
DISCUSSION
In Stogner v. Smith & Smith, LLC, 11-413, p. 4 (La.App. 1 Cir. 11/9/11), 80
So.3d 47, 50 (citations omitted), the first circuit succinctly stated that: “The
2 employee in a workers’ compensation action must prove by a preponderance of the
evidence that a work-related event occurred and that an injury was sustained.”
Whether a claimant has carried his or her burden of proof and whether testimony is credible are questions of fact to be determined by the trier of fact. Allman v. Washington Parish Police Jury, 2004- 0600, p. 3 (La.App. 1 Cir. 3/24/05), 907 So.2d 86. Factual findings in a workers’ compensation case are subject to the manifest error-clearly wrong standard of review. McCray v. Delta Industries, Inc., 2000- 1694, p. 4 (La.App. 1 Cir. 9/28/01), 809 So.2d 265, 269. In applying the manifest error-clearly wrong standard, the appellate court must determine not whether the trier of fact was right or wrong, but whether the fact finder’s conclusion was a reasonable one. Banks v. Industrial Roofing & Sheet Metal Works, Inc., 96-2840, p. 7 (La.7/1/97), 696 So.2d 551, 556. Thus, “[i]f the [fact finder’s] findings are reasonable in light of the record reviewed in its entirety, the court of appeal may not reverse, even though convinced that had it been sitting as the trier of fact, it would have weighed the evidence differently.” Sistler v. Liberty Mut. Ins. Co., 558 So.2d 1106, 1112 (La.1990). Consequently, when there are two permissible views of the evidence, the fact finder’s choice between them cannot be manifestly erroneous. Bolton v. B E & K Const., 2001-0486, p. 7 (La.App. 1 Cir. 6/21/02), 822 So.2d 29, 35.
The finding of disability within the framework of the workers’ compensation law is a legal rather than a purely medical determination. Therefore, the question of disability must be determined by reference to the totality of the evidence, including both lay and medical testimony. Ultimately, the question of disability is a question of fact, which cannot be reversed in the absence of manifest error. Severio v. J.E. Merit Constructors, Inc., 2002-0359, p. 7 (La.App. 1 Cir. 2/14/03), 845 So.2d 465, 469.
Batiste v. Tenet Healthcare Corp., 09-1192, pp. 3-5 (La.App. 1 Cir. 2/12/10), 35
So.3d 352, 354-55, writ denied, 10-559 (La. 5/7/10), 34 So.3d 864.
Summit first argues that the WCJ committed manifest error in finding that
an “accident” as defined by La. . . 23:1021 occurred. In that statute, the term
“accident” is defined as “an unexpected or unforeseen actual, identifiable,
precipitous event happening suddenly or violently, with or without human fault,
and directly producing at the time objective findings of an injury which is more
than simply a gradual deterioration or progressive degeneration.” La.R.S.
23:1021(1). However, the jurisprudence is clear that “when the performance of the 3 usual and customary duties of a workman cause or contribute to a physical
breakdown the statutory requirements for an accidental injury are present” and that
“[t]he accident need not produce instantaneous objective symptoms of injury.”
Brasseaux v. Argonaut Ins. Co., (La.App. 3 Cir. 1983), 432 So.2d 1153, 1155
(citations omitted). Summit contends that Colwell admitted that she did not
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STATE OF LOUISIANA COURT OF APPEAL, THIRD CIRCUIT
12-1186
CINDY COLWELL
VERSUS
THE SUMMIT RETIREMENT CENTER
**********
APPEAL FROM THE COMPENSATION, DISTRICT 2 PARISH OF RAPIDES, NO. 11-04734 JAMES L. BRADDOCK, JUDGE
J. DAVID PAINTER JUDGE
Court composed of Elizabeth A. Pickett, J. David Painter, and Phyllis M. Keaty, Judges.
AFFIRMED.
George A. Flournoy Flournoy & Doggett (APLC) P.O. Box 1270 Alexandria, LA 71309 (318) 487-9858 COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF-APPELLEE: Cindy Colwell
Lawrence B. Frieman Janna C. Bergeron Juge, Napolitano, Guilbeau, Ruli & Frieman 330 North New Hampshire Street Covington, LA 70433 (337) 831-7270 COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT-APPELLANT: The Summit Retirement Center PAINTER, Judge.
he ummit etirement enter ( ummit) appeals the ruling of the orkers’
Compensation Judge (WCJ) finding in favor of Cindy Colwell (Colwell) and
awarding temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, medical expenses, travel
expenses, $8,000.00 in penalties, and $10,000.00 in attorney fees. We affirm and
award Colwell an additional $3,500.00 in attorney fees for work done in
connection with this appeal.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Colwell, a registered nurse, was employed by Summit. At approximately
4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2011, Colwell was assisting another nurse in
transferring a patient from a wheelchair to a bed. Colwell alleged that the transfer
was difficult because the patient was heavyset and that this was the only strenuous
activity that she had to perform at work that day. Colwell left work at 5:00 p.m.,
drove home, and then later met her daughter and granddaughter for dinner. At
dinner, Colwell began to feel burning and tingling in her neck. Over the weekend,
the pain significantly worsened, and, on Sunday, she reported the transfer incident
to her supervisor and told her supervisor that she was going to the emergency
room. olwell’s mother took her to the emergency room. She attempted to return
to work on February 21 and 22, 2011, but was unable to do so. Her primary care
physician, Dr. Bruce Barton, took Colwell off work and referred her to a
neurosurgeon, Dr. Gregory Dowd (Dr. Dowd). An MRI showed a C5-6 disc
protrusion. Dr. Dowd related this to the transfer incident of February 11, 2011.
Colwell began conservative treatment and returned to work on light duty on April
4, 2011. ummit terminated olwell’s employment on June 20, 2011, but did pay
(and is continuing to pay) indemnity benefits. Colwell began treating with Dr. Clark Gunderson (Dr. Gunderson), an
orthopedist, on July 5, 2011. She underwent an anterior cervical fusion performed
by Dr. Gunderson on November 21, 2011. Summit paid for the surgery. At
present, she is still treating with Dr. Gunderson and has not been released to return
to work because, in addition to her neck problems, she is suffering from carpal
tunnel syndrome and depression.
Colwell filed a disputed claim for compensation seeking payment of medical
expenses, travel expenses, and penalties and attorney fees. Following trial, the
WCJ found that Colwell had met her burden of proving that she suffered a work-
related accident on February 11, 2011, and was entitled to TTD benefits; that
Colwell had met her burden of proving that her carpal tunnel syndrome was work-
related and that Summit was responsible for medical treatment associated
therewith; that Summit was responsible for payment of the costs of treatment for
depression and associated medications; and that Summit was responsible for travel
expenses. he J further awarded olwell $8,000.00 in penalties for ummit’s
failure to pay for anti-depressant medication, failure to pay hotel and meal
expenses, failure to pay mileage expenses, failure to pay medication costs, and
failure to pay for a rib x-ray. Colwell was also awarded $10,000.00 in attorney
fees. Summit filed this appeal, and Colwell answered the appeal seeking an
increased award of attorney fees for work necessitated by this appeal. For the
following reasons, we affirm the ruling of the WCJ in its entirety and award an
additional $3,500.00 in attorney fees for work done in connection with this appeal.
DISCUSSION
In Stogner v. Smith & Smith, LLC, 11-413, p. 4 (La.App. 1 Cir. 11/9/11), 80
So.3d 47, 50 (citations omitted), the first circuit succinctly stated that: “The
2 employee in a workers’ compensation action must prove by a preponderance of the
evidence that a work-related event occurred and that an injury was sustained.”
Whether a claimant has carried his or her burden of proof and whether testimony is credible are questions of fact to be determined by the trier of fact. Allman v. Washington Parish Police Jury, 2004- 0600, p. 3 (La.App. 1 Cir. 3/24/05), 907 So.2d 86. Factual findings in a workers’ compensation case are subject to the manifest error-clearly wrong standard of review. McCray v. Delta Industries, Inc., 2000- 1694, p. 4 (La.App. 1 Cir. 9/28/01), 809 So.2d 265, 269. In applying the manifest error-clearly wrong standard, the appellate court must determine not whether the trier of fact was right or wrong, but whether the fact finder’s conclusion was a reasonable one. Banks v. Industrial Roofing & Sheet Metal Works, Inc., 96-2840, p. 7 (La.7/1/97), 696 So.2d 551, 556. Thus, “[i]f the [fact finder’s] findings are reasonable in light of the record reviewed in its entirety, the court of appeal may not reverse, even though convinced that had it been sitting as the trier of fact, it would have weighed the evidence differently.” Sistler v. Liberty Mut. Ins. Co., 558 So.2d 1106, 1112 (La.1990). Consequently, when there are two permissible views of the evidence, the fact finder’s choice between them cannot be manifestly erroneous. Bolton v. B E & K Const., 2001-0486, p. 7 (La.App. 1 Cir. 6/21/02), 822 So.2d 29, 35.
The finding of disability within the framework of the workers’ compensation law is a legal rather than a purely medical determination. Therefore, the question of disability must be determined by reference to the totality of the evidence, including both lay and medical testimony. Ultimately, the question of disability is a question of fact, which cannot be reversed in the absence of manifest error. Severio v. J.E. Merit Constructors, Inc., 2002-0359, p. 7 (La.App. 1 Cir. 2/14/03), 845 So.2d 465, 469.
Batiste v. Tenet Healthcare Corp., 09-1192, pp. 3-5 (La.App. 1 Cir. 2/12/10), 35
So.3d 352, 354-55, writ denied, 10-559 (La. 5/7/10), 34 So.3d 864.
Summit first argues that the WCJ committed manifest error in finding that
an “accident” as defined by La. . . 23:1021 occurred. In that statute, the term
“accident” is defined as “an unexpected or unforeseen actual, identifiable,
precipitous event happening suddenly or violently, with or without human fault,
and directly producing at the time objective findings of an injury which is more
than simply a gradual deterioration or progressive degeneration.” La.R.S.
23:1021(1). However, the jurisprudence is clear that “when the performance of the 3 usual and customary duties of a workman cause or contribute to a physical
breakdown the statutory requirements for an accidental injury are present” and that
“[t]he accident need not produce instantaneous objective symptoms of injury.”
Brasseaux v. Argonaut Ins. Co., (La.App. 3 Cir. 1983), 432 So.2d 1153, 1155
(citations omitted). Summit contends that Colwell admitted that she did not
experience any pain, discomfort, or any sign of injury at the time the transfer was
performed. After a thorough review of the record, we agree with the WCJ that
there is no evidence that prior to February 11, 2011, Colwell had any type of
problem performing her job functions and that she met her burden of proving the
occurrence of a work-related accident.
Summit also argues that the WCJ committed manifest error in finding that
olwell’s neck complaints and carpal tunnel syndrome were causally related to her
alleged accident. e agree with the J’s finding that olwell was entitled to the
presumption of causation because there was no evidence that she manifested any
disabling symptoms before February 11, 2011. Furthermore, the evidence and
testimony indicated that all symptoms commenced within hours of the accident and
manifested themselves thereafter. The medical testimony also evidenced a
reasonable possibility of causal connection between the accident and onset of the
disabling symptoms, both in olwell’s neck and hands. Carmena v. St. Anthony’s
Home, 11-1181 (La.App. 1 Cir. 5/2/12), 92 So.3d 539. Thus, there is no merit to
this assignment of error.
Summit further argues that the WCJ erred in ordering it to pay for anti-
depressant medications. The WCJ noted that there was no evidence or testimony
to contradict that presented by Colwell as to her depression. Therefore, we find no
error in the J’s ruling that ummit was responsible for the payment of anti-
4 depressant medications or in the award of a penalty for failure to timely authorize
payment for depression medications.
ext, ummit alleges manifest error in the J’s order that it pay and
reimburse travel expenses and mileage costs. Having already found that the WCJ
was correct in finding that Colwell proved a work-related accident and that her
injuries were causally related thereto, we find no error in the J’s ordering
Summit to pay for medically necessitated travel expenses and mileage pursuant to
La.R.S. 23:1203.
Summit also argues that the WCJ erred in ordering it to pay for prescription
medication costs where Colwell did not prove that the bills were reasonable,
necessary, and related to the work accident. Colwell introduced numerous bills for
prescription medications as well as records of payments by Summit. Based on this
evidence, the WCJ ordered Summit to pay the following medical expenses that it
found to be outstanding: (1) $1,085.53 to Professional Pharmacy for outstanding
medication expenses; (2) $3.64 to Walgreens; (3) $200.09 to Walgreens and CVS;
and (4) $417.94 to Walgreens and CVS. Again, having already found that the
WCJ was correct in finding that Colwell proved a work-related accident and that
her injuries were causally related thereto, we find no manifest error in the J’s
ordering Summit to pay the outstanding medical expenses it found to be
reasonable, necessary, and related to the accident at issue herein.
Summit alleges manifest error in the J’s award of $8,000.00 in penalties
for failure to pay for anti-depressant medication, failure to pay hotel and meal
expenses, failure to pay mileage expenses, failure to pay medication costs, and
failure to pay for a rib x-ray. The failure to pay benefits will result in the
imposition of penalties “unless the claim is reasonably controverted or if such
nonpayment results from conditions over which the employer or insurer had no 5 control.” La.R.S. 23:1201(F)(2). We find no error in the award of penalties
because Summit offered no evidence of any reasonable justification for its denial
of the benefits for which penalties were imposed.
Finally, Summit argues that the WCJ improperly ruled on the issue of the
nature and extent of olwell’s disability because that issue was not in dispute. e
find no merit to this assignment of error because the nature and extent of olwell’s
disability was listed in her initial filing of a disputed claim for compensation.
Colwell is entitled to an increase in attorney fees as requested in her answer
to appeal for additional time incurred in defending ummit’s unsuccessful appeal.
Frith v. Riverwood Inc., 04-1086 (La. 1/19/05), 892 So.2d 7. We find an
additional attorney fee of $3,500.00 is warranted given the issues in this case and
the amount of work necessitated by the appeal.
DECREE
For all of the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the WCJ.
Additionally, we award $3,500.00 in attorney fees to Plaintiff-Appellee, Cindy
Colwell, for work done on this appeal. All costs of this appeal are assessed to
Defendant-Appellant, The Summit Retirement Center.