No Benefits for Worker Who Lost Part of Leg

The Arizona Court of Appeals upheld the denial of a worker’s claim for benefits for the partial amputation of his leg, finding he did not prove that the surgery was related to a work accident as opposed to his preexisting medical issues. Case: Merkley v. Industrial Commission, No. 1 CA-IC 25-0014, 01/16/2026, unpublished. Facts: Stephen Merkley worked as the director of operations for the PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Surprise, an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility. In 2022, Merkley underwent five surgeries on his right foot and ankle, including an ankle fusion that place...