Jerry's Nugget v. Keith

OPINION

FACTS

Jay Keith (“Keith”) worked as a bartender for Jerry’s Nugget (“Jerry’s”). Keith injured his back while picking up an ice chest. He underwent surgery, was found to be thirteen percent disabled and went back to work in December 1988, assuming light-duty activity. Two days after returning to work, Keith was fired for giving out free drinks. The State Industrial Insurance System (“SIIS”) denied Keith any further rehabilitative benefits because he was fired for cause. Although Keith does not dispute the motivation or justification behind his termination, he appealed SIIS’s decision to…