Baccus v. American States Insurance Co. of Texas
Appellant Henry Vernon Baecus appealed a jury verdict concerning benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act. He sustained a fractured calcaneus and back injury from a fall in 1989, leading to extensive medical treatment and work limitations. The jury found total incapacity for a period and partial incapacity for a subsequent period, but the appellate court found this verdict to be against the great weight of evidence regarding his continued severe disability. Medical reports indicated permanent impairment, a 45-pound lifting restriction, and inability to perform regular carpentry work. The appellate court reversed the judgment, emphasizing the manifest injustice of the jury's findings given the abundant medical evidence, and remanded the case for a new trial.