Worker Gets 12% PPD Award for Loss of Grip Strength

West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals upheld a 12% permanent partial disability award to a worker for his loss of grip strength due to a compensable injury. Case: Alliance Coal LLC v. Carte, No. 25-ICA-284, 02/03/2026, published. Facts: Ashley Carte worked for Alliance Coal LLC as an underground fire boss. He injured his arm at work in May 2022, but he did not seek medical treatment until October 2022 because he had thought his injury would resolve on its own. Carte then filed a workers’ compensation claim for a left biceps strain/tear. In November 2022, Dr. Michael D. ...