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CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY'S RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF A COURT ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,418.25 REGARDING BRANDON KYLE WANSICK VS. THE CITY OF NORMAN, WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT CASE NO. WCC 2013-11070 A.
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BACKGROUND: Brandon Kyle Wansick is a motor patrol officer who filed Workers' Compensation Case No. 2013-11070 A on October 14, 2013 alleging a work related single incident injury to the back (mid and lower), legs and left knee on July 19, 2013. Mr. Wansick had arthroscopic surgery on the left knee on October 3, 2013 and was released without restrictions to return to work November 20, 2013. For the thoracolumbar strain, Mr. Wansick was released to return to work July 9, 2014 without restrictions. The case proceeded through the normal litigation process. A trial was held on April 7, 2015. On April 8, 2015, the Court awarded 4% permanent partial impairment benefits to the middle back and 7% permanent partial disability to the low back, and 21% permanent partial disability to the left leg for the total sum of $36,418.25.
DISCUSSION: Mr. Wansick is a six year employee of the City of Norman who was hired on January 23, 2009 as a patrol officer for the Police Department and on July 23, 2013 reclassified as master police officer.
Issues for Trial. The issues to be tried April 7, 2015, before the Workers' Compensation Court were whether Mr. Wansick suffered a disability that is permanent in nature, and if so, to what extent is the disability (nature and extent) due to the October 14, 2013 job related accident. Permanent partial disability is a factual determination made by the Workers' Compensation Court Trial Judge based on doctors' opinions regarding the extent of permanent partial impairment.
Evaluations. Mr. Wansick was evaluated on March 5, 2015 by Dr. Litchfield. Dr. Litchfield opined 12.5% ($20.187.50) impairment to the thoracic spine, 46% ($74,299) impairment to the lumbar spine, and 38% ($33,753.50) impa...
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