Split Court Reverses Denial of Disability Benefits for Injured Pipe Fitter

A divided North Carolina Supreme Court overturned a decision by the Industrial Commission denying an injured worker’s request for disability compensation. Case: Griffin v. Absolute Fire Control Inc., No. COA19-461, 01/07/2020, published. Facts: Stacy Griffin worked for Absolute Fire Control Inc. as a pipe fitter. He worked 10 hours a day, five days a week, and earned between $18 and $20 per hour. Griffin suffered a back injury while at work in October 2014. He returned to work one month later but was restricted from lifting anything over 20 pounds. Griffin’s preinjury job ...