UNUSUAL CASE
OPERATION REFUSED INJURED SAWMILL RAND An unusual worker's compensation case was heard in the Court of Arbitration in Greymouth. A sawmill worker who suffered a fracture of the right leg 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 most probably would give plaintiff a useful limb, he declined to undergo an operation, and medical evidence was given that he 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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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/PBH19380504.2.4
Bibliographic details
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 4 May 1938, Page 3
Word Count
161UNUSUAL CASE Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 4 May 1938, Page 3
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