Court rules against Goodyear in worker's comp case

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Montgomery, Alabama - A worker at Goodyear's Gadsden, Alabama plant is entitled to permanent disability benefits, the Court of Civil Appeals of Alabama has ruled.

Brian Haygood, a tyre handler at the Gadsden plant, suffered an injury to his right foot while on the job in August 2009.

An operation and various treatments failed to ease Haygood's pain, which he said was aggravated by back pain caused by an altered gait. An Alabama state court ruled Haygood was entitled to permanent disability benefits based on his foot pain alone.

Goodyear appealed the verdict, but Jan. 13 the appeals court affirmed the lower court's decision. “There is nothing in the record to suggest that Haygood's right-foot pain will lessen or that, over time, he will no longer walk with an altered gait,” the appeals court said in its ruling.

In a statement, Goodyear said it was disappointed in the appeals court ruling and was considering whether to appeal further.

From Rubber & Plastics News  (A Crain publication)