Split Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Benefits for Mine Worker With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A divided West Virginia Supreme Court ruled that a mine worker was not entitled to benefits for his carpal tunnel syndrome. Case: Smith v. Brooks Run South Mining LLC, No. 21-0474, 10/18/2022, published. Facts: Leonard Smith worked as a mine operator. He filed a workers’ compensation claim for carpal tunnel syndrome he attributed to his employment with Brooks Run South Mining. Smith already had carpal tunnel prior to working for Brooks Run. On May 1, 2006, he sought treatment from Family Healthcare Associates for bilateral hand numbness. He was diagnosed with carpal tunnel at that tim...