ARBITRATION COURT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3869, 8 May 1928, Page 17

ARBITRATION COURT.

CONFLICT CF MEDICAL EVIDENCE. AUCKLAND, May 3. The difficult task oi assessing, in face of contradictory medical, evidence, the de gree of physical disability resulting from an accidental fracture of the spine came before the Arbitration Court. A labourer, John Francis M’Gratfi claimed compensation from the corporation of the city of Auckland in respect of injury sustained while working for the Tramways Department. The points generally admitted were that the plaintiff injured his back while lifting a heavy slab of concrete in February, 1927. In July, whil-j engaged in similar heavy work, his back was again affected, and as the result r f an X-ray examination it was revealed that two spinous processes, which anchored certain muscles of the back, had been fractured. The medical witnesses agreed that the case was unprecedented in their expon ence, and reference to recognised authorities was of little assistance. Compensation for temporary incapacity was awarded at the full rate from the date of the last payment to date, and for another three months, and in respect of permanent disability the court awarded compensation at the r»te of 10s per weeK for the remainder of the period of liability. The plaintiff was awarded costs (£lO 10s) and medical witnesses’ expenses.