Childress v. Beatrice Pocahontas Co.

Opinion

COLE, J.

— Appellant, Paul Childress, appeals the decision of the Industrial Commission holding that his claim for occupational hearing loss benefits was barred by the doctrine of res judicata. We agree with the Commission and affirm.

Paul Childress worked in various capacities for Island Creek Coal Company, a subsidiary of Beatrice Pocahontas Company, from 1964 until he was forced to retire in 1983 due to a hip injury. During his nineteen years at Island Creek Coal Company, he worked intermittently in the mines and was continually exposed to loud drilling and blasting. A few years…