CHEST INJURY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 236, 5 October 1937, Page 9

CHEST INJURY.

LORRY ACCIDENT.

COMPENSATION AWARDED.

NEURASTHENIA QUESTION.

Compensation for three months, less what had already been paid, was awarded in the Arbitration Court to-day to George Errol Douglas Gowan, a motor driver, of Auckland, who proceeded against his employer, J. A. Peterson, of Peterson'* Transport, Auckland. Mr. Justice O "Regan presided, and with him were Messrs. A. L. Moiiteith and W. Cecil Prime. Mr. Sullivan appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. Hubble for defendant.

In the statement of claim plaintiff said that on July 10, 1930, while unloading steel shafting weighing 2f tons from his truck at defendant's depot in Quay Street, the cross-members of the vehicle broke and the shafting rolled over the floor of the trjick, causing a piece of timber used as a lever to fly up and strike him. He suffered injuries to the left shoulder and chest.

Compensation Stopped. Under the Workers' Compensation Act hie average weekly earnings were £4. Compensation of £2 13/4 a week was paid up to August 24, 1936, after which the defendant had refused to pay any more.

The facts of the case were admitted by defendant. Compensation was paid up to August 24, and since then, it was alleged, plaintiff had no further claim.

Drs. E. B. Gunson, T. W. J. JohnSbn and Morris Axford agreed that plaintiff had not suffered an injury to the heart, but Dr. Robert Warnock' thought there might have been eome injury.

Dr. Gunson said that between October, 1936, and September last plaintiff had developed a slight degree of neurasthenia; but Dr. Axford did not agree with that. Dr. Johneon said that plaintiff would be able to go to work on August 24, 1936; but taking other factors into consideration, he would give compensation up to October, 1936.

After a short adjournment lias Honor said the Court was satisfied there was nothing wrong with the man's heart. Compensation would be paid for 13 weeks from the date of the accident, lese what had already been paid. Costs were allowed at £6 6/. with £2 2/ for each of two medical witnesses.