UNUSUAL CASE
OPERATION REFUSED INJURED SAWMILL WORKER FULL COMPENSATION SOUGHT [BY TEI.EGRA.rn —I'RKSS ASSOCIATION] GREYMOUTH, Monday An unusual worker's compensation case was heard in the Court of Arbitration to-day. A sawmill worker who suffered a fracture of the right leg about 16 months ago and was still totally disabled claimed the maximum amount payable as for total permanent disablement. Although the medical witnesses were unanimous that a major operation would most probably givo plaintiff a useful limb, he declined to undergo an operation, and medical evidence was given that ho was in such an unusually hysterical condition as a result of the injury that it was impossible to persuade him. Counsel on plaintiff's behalf submitted that, in view of the injured man's sufferings, his refusal was not. unreasonable, and that the Court had no option but to allow the claim for full compensation. Opposing counsel maintained that there was no authority to the effect that a claimant for compensation could reasonably refuse to follow unanimous medical opinion. Decision was reserved.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23027, 3 May 1938, Page 14
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170UNUSUAL CASE New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23027, 3 May 1938, Page 14
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