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CONSIDERATION OF THE CITY ATTORNEY'S RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF A COURT ORDER PLUS COURT COSTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,664.45 REGARDING CURTIS GARRETT V. THE CITY OF NORMAN, WORKERS' COMPENSATION COMMISSION CASE 2018-04775 Q.
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BACKGROUND: Mr. Garrett is a master police officer-sergeant for the Norman Police Department. He filed a Worker's Compensation Commission claim 2018-04775 Q on July 31, 2018 alleging a single incident injury to the left knee on July 31, 2017 when stepping up on a curb. The City admitted the claim and it proceeded through the normal litigation process. A trial was held on February 25, 2019. On February 27, 2019, the Commission awarded Mr. Garrett 30 percent permanent partial disability (PPD) to the left knee in the amount of $26,647.50. It is recommended that the City comply with this Order.
DISCUSSION: Mr. Garrett is a nineteen (19) year employee of the City of Norman who was hired as a as a police officer on October 22, 1999 and reclassified as a master police officer-sergeant April 22, 2004.
Medical Treatment. Mr. Garrett was initially seen at Norman Regional Hospital Emergency Room and then Norman Regional Occupational Medicine on the date of his reported injury. It was noted that Mr. Garrett had history of a work related injury to the left knee in 2002 which required surgery for a meniscus tear and steroid injections in 2016. He was sent for an MRI on August 3, 2017 which revealed a tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus as well as associated degenerative changes. Mr. Garrett was then referred to Dr. Bobb for orthopedic evaluation and treatment. After failing conservative treatment which included a series of three viscosupplementation injections, he underwent total left knee arthroplasty followed by post-operative physical therapy, run/walk treadmill program, and a home exercise program. Post-operatively, Mr. Garrett required an overnight inpatient say due to post-operative fever and increase...
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