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This workers' compensation case involves an appeal by Genesco, Inc. regarding awards granted to the Plaintiff after sustaining a back injury in 1980. The Defendant challenged the Chancellor's computations of average weekly wages and compensation under both statutory provisions (T.C.A. § 50-902(c)) and an independent contract, arguing actual earnings were not properly considered. Additionally, Genesco disputed liability for medical expenses without proof of necessity and reasonableness. The Court reversed the Chancellor's method of computing average weekly wages, mandating the use of actual earnings over a 52-week period with deductions only for sickness or fortuitous events, and also reversed the contract computation. Notably, the court overruled prior precedent (Phillips v. Fleetguard Div.), shifting the burden of proof for the necessity and reasonableness of medical expenses to the employer when the physicians are designated by them. The case was remanded for recalculation of benefits and further proof regarding physician designation.
Russell v. Genesco, 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
This workers' compensation case involves an appeal by Genesco, Inc. regarding awards granted to the Plaintiff after sustaining a back injury in 1980. The Defendant challenged the Chancellor's computations of average weekly wages and compensation under both statutory provisions (T.C.A. § 50-902(c)) and an independent contract, arguing actual earnings were not properly considered. Additionally, Genesco disputed liability for medical expenses without proof of necessity and reasonableness. The Court reversed the Chancellor's method of computing average weekly wages, mandating the use of actual earnings over a 52-week period with deductions only for sickness or fortuitous events, and also reversed the contract computation. Notably, the court overruled prior precedent (Phillips v. Fleetguard Div.), shifting the burden of proof for the necessity and reasonableness of medical expenses to the employer when the physicians are designated by them. The case was remanded for recalculation of benefits and further proof regarding physician designation.
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