Gose v. Monroe Auto Equipment Co.

We granted leave to appeal to determine the effect of the doctrine of res judicata upon these workers’ compensation claims.

*159Justice Williams has stated the facts in both cases.

I

The parties do not question that the doctrine of res judicata applies to workers’ compensation proceedings; they differ only as to its scope. Plaintiffs assert that only those claims actually litigated in a prior proceeding are barred from relitigation. Defendants argue that res judicata bars those claims actually litigated and also those arising out of the same transaction which plaintiff could have brought in the…