Justices Reject Claim Defense as 'Patently Unfair'

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday that an employer legally cannot admit liability for an industrial injury to control medical care, yet deny it later for determining compensability and benefits. The justices unanimously reversed a trial court, which had decided against an award of benefits to Winnebago Industries employee Mark Haverly. Haverly saw a doctor in November 2000 about increased back pain, and the doctor recommended conservative treatment. Haverly sought a second opinion and the doctor recommended surgery. The employer, Winnebago, refused to authorize it. Haverly filed ...