Sargent Electric Co. v. Woodall

The principal issue in this workers’ compensation case is whether the amended version of Rule 13 of the Industrial Commission may be applied retrospectively.

On October 20, 1977, John Woodall suffered a cervical sprain when he was assaulted by a fellow employee of Sargent Electric Company. At that time Woodall was earning an average weekly wage of $503.00 ($26,161.70 annually). Sargent’s insurance carrier, Insurance Company of North America, acknowledged the claim as compensable and, pursuant to a memorandum of agreement, compensated Woodall for temporary total work incapacity from October 27,…