Supreme Court Upholds Awards for Shoulder, Back Injuries, but Not Disc Disease

The West Virginia Supreme Court unanimously upheld a finding that a worker suffered compensable shoulder and back injuries, but his intervertebral disc disorder was not compensable. Case: Shaffer v. West Virginia University, No. 21-0662, 06/13/2023, published. Facts: Jess Shaffer worked for West Virginia University. He suffered injuries at work on Jan. 26, 2016, when he tripped while carrying a fan shroud and blade. Dr. James Bailey diagnosed occupational lower back and bilateral shoulder injuries. Shaffer had a history of low back issues before the accident. He also sought treatment ...