Worker's Prior Award Counts Toward Second Injury Fund's Liability Threshold

The Missouri Court of Appeals ruled that part of a prior award of enhanced permanent partial disability can be considered in a subsequent claim against the Second Injury Fund to determine if the worker has met the statutory 50-week threshold. Case: Ryan v. Second Injury Fund, No. ED112149, 11/26/2024, published. Facts and procedural history: Patrick Ryan injured his right knee in 2004. He filed a workers’ compensation claim, which he later settled in exchange for 120 weeks of permanent partial disability benefits. In 2007, Ryan injured his left shoulder and cervical spi...