Select Insurance Co. v. Boucher
Select Insurance Co. appealed a jury verdict awarding Thomas Earl Boucher workmen's compensation for six and three-fourths years of total incapacity. The defendant contended that the plaintiff suffered only partial disability and requested related issues and instructions, which the trial court refused. The appellate court affirmed this refusal, noting that partial incapacity issues in this context were inferential rebuttal issues, and the requested definition was inadequate. Furthermore, the court found Dr. Belz's psychiatric testimony, based on both personal examination and hearsay, admissible as he was a treating physician. The appellate court concluded that the jury's finding of total incapacity was supported by sufficient evidence, particularly the medical testimony regarding the plaintiff's mental condition following his injury.