Worker's Prior Settlement Doesn't Bar New Claim

The North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld an award of benefits to a worker for an injury to his shoulder, finding that his prior settlement of a shoulder injury case did not bar his new claim. Case: Collins v. Wieland Copper Products LLC, No. COA24-214, 12/03/2024, published. Facts: David Collins worked for Wieland Copper Products LLC. He tore his rotator cuff at work in 2009 and received workers’ compensation benefits from Wieland. Dr. John Ritchie performed a rotator cuff repair in February 2010. Collins was found to be at maximum medical improvement in August 2010, and he rec...