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Billy Ray Morgan, an automobile line mechanic for Twin City Buick Company, sustained a right arm injury on August 28, 1985, which led to diagnoses of ulnar nerve palsy and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. After the employer-chosen physician, Dr. Ricciardi, discharged him, stating he had no further treatment to offer, Mr. Morgan sought care from other doctors. The employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier refused to cover these subsequent medical expenses. The trial court awarded Mr. Morgan sixty percent permanent partial disability to his upper right extremity and ordered the employer to pay for past and future medical expenses, including those incurred without prior authorization due to the employer's failure to provide a panel of physicians. On appeal, the judgment of the trial court was affirmed, with the appellate court finding the disability award supported by the evidence and Mr. Morgan justified in seeking independent medical treatment.
United States Fidelity & Guaranty Co. v. Morgan is a workers' compensation case decided in Tennessee Supreme Court. This case addresses legal issues related to compensation claims, benefits, and court rulings.
It is commonly referenced in legal research involving workers' compensation laws in Tennessee Supreme Court.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
Billy Ray Morgan, an automobile line mechanic for Twin City Buick Company, sustained a right arm injury on August 28, 1985, which led to diagnoses of ulnar nerve palsy and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. After the employer-chosen physician, Dr. Ricciardi, discharged him, stating he had no further treatment to offer, Mr. Morgan sought care from other doctors. The employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier refused to cover these subsequent medical expenses. The trial court awarded Mr. Morgan sixty percent permanent partial disability to his upper right extremity and ordered the employer to pay for past and future medical expenses, including those incurred without prior authorization due to the employer's failure to provide a panel of physicians. On appeal, the judgment of the trial court was affirmed, with the appellate court finding the disability award supported by the evidence and Mr. Morgan justified in seeking independent medical treatment.
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