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CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY'S RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF A COURT ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,530 REGARDING GRANT WESLEY DEASON VS. THE CITY OF NORMAN, WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT CASE NO. WCC 2012-10668 H.
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BACKGROUND: Grant Wesley Deason is an Assistant Fire Chief who filed Worker's Compensation Case No. 2012-10668 H on September 18, 2012 alleging injury to his spine on June 1, 2012. The case proceeded through the normal litigation process. A trial was held on January 21, 2015 and on February 2, 2015 the Court awarded Mr. Deason the sum of $35,530.00 in permanent partial disability benefits. This item is presented to Council to consider acceptance of the Court Order in this case.
DISCUSSION: Mr. Deason is a 29 year employee of the City of Norman who was hired on January 7, 1985 as a firefighter for the Fire Department. He was promoted several times with a final promotion on September 1, 2006 as Assistant Fire Chief.
Nature of Claim. Mr. Deason filed this Workers' Compensation claim on September 18, 2012, alleging an accidental injury to the low back while lifting heavy boxes on June 1, 2012. The injury occurred at the fire administration building, was witnessed by other firefighters, and was reported timely. There is no question the injury occurred on the job with the Norman Fire Department. Deason had surgery on July 13, 2012. However, he continued to experience pain, which resulted in another surgery on January 10, 2014. He was released by his physician on May 7, 2014.
Issues for Trial. The issues to be tried before the Workers' Compensation Court was the nature and extent of PPD. 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. Deason was evaluated by Dr. Wilson on May 27, 2014. Dr. Wilson opined 56% impairment with 14% pre-existing to his lumbar...
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