White v. United Industrial Syndicate
Inell White, a 62-year-old woman, suffered from bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome due to her factory work for United Industrial Syndicate, leading to a 60% permanent partial disability to each arm. The trial court awarded her medical expenses and disability benefits. On appeal, the defendant and its insurer, CNA Insurance Company, challenged whether the action was barred by the statute of limitations and if White met her burden of proof on the permanence of her injury. The Supreme Court of Tennessee affirmed the trial court's decision, finding that the statute of limitations was tolled until White discovered her condition was permanent and work-related in September 1985. The Court also ruled that medical testimony regarding permanent disability was admissible as the cause of action arose before the effective date of the relevant statutory amendment requiring AMA guidelines.