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Oscar Lee Perkins, a leased-operator for Enterprise Truck Line, Inc., was injured in 1991 while working, sustaining a fractured hip, back injury, and broken arm. Despite Enterprise initially paying medical bills and weekly workers' compensation, they later denied employment status and coverage due to failure to file a written election notice. The Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel reversed the trial court's finding of employment, stating Perkins was a leased-operator and no proper election was made. The Supreme Court reviewed this decision, holding that the statutory filing requirement for election of workers' compensation coverage for leased operators is directory, not mandatory, and substantial compliance is sufficient. Finding that Enterprise had substantially complied by agreeing to provide coverage and paying initial benefits, the Court reinstated the trial court's award of thirty-five percent permanent partial disability to Perkins.
Perkins v. Enterprise Truck Lines, Inc. 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
Oscar Lee Perkins, a leased-operator for Enterprise Truck Line, Inc., was injured in 1991 while working, sustaining a fractured hip, back injury, and broken arm. Despite Enterprise initially paying medical bills and weekly workers' compensation, they later denied employment status and coverage due to failure to file a written election notice. The Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel reversed the trial court's finding of employment, stating Perkins was a leased-operator and no proper election was made. The Supreme Court reviewed this decision, holding that the statutory filing requirement for election of workers' compensation coverage for leased operators is directory, not mandatory, and substantial compliance is sufficient. Finding that Enterprise had substantially complied by agreeing to provide coverage and paying initial benefits, the Court reinstated the trial court's award of thirty-five percent permanent partial disability to Perkins.
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