Woodard v. ITT Higbie Manufacturing Co.

David Newbern, Judge.

We are presented here with a question of application of the statute of limitations in workers’ compensation cases. Ark. Stat. Ann. § 81-1318 (Repl. 1976 and Supp. 1979)- The commission held the appellant’s claim was barred by the statute. We disagree.

The appellant initially injured his back while working for ITT Higbie Manufacturing Co. in 1974. Compensation benefits were paid by ITT Higbie’s carrier, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. The appellant reinjured his back in 1976, and Liberty Mutual again made payments, the last one being made April 20, 1977. Permanent disability…