Court Affirms Finding That Shoulder Surgery Was Reasonable, Necessary Treatment

West Virginia’s Intermediate Court of Appeals upheld the finding that arthroscopic right shoulder surgery was reasonable and necessary treatment for a worker’s compensable injury. Case: West Virginia University Health System Inc. v. Blackwell, No. 26-ICA-157, 09/25/2026, published. Facts: Elizabeth Blackwell worked for West Virginia University Health System Inc. She sought medical treatment in February 2025 after reportedly falling on ice in a parking lot at work. A claims administrator for the health system’s insurance carrier accepted liability for a strain of muscle and...