Benniefield v. City of Lakeland

In this workers’ compensation appeal, Claimant challenges the Judge of Compensation Claims’ (JCC’s) denial of his claim for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits on grounds that the JCC erred regarding Claimant’s date of maximum medical improvement (MMI) and further erred by denying penalties, interest, costs, and attorney’s fees associated with that claim. Because we agree, we reverse and remand the case to the JCC for further proceedings.

BACKGROUND

On April 9, 2008, Claimant sustained a compensable back injury and was placed on MMI on January 7, 2009, by Dr. John C. Amann, his authorized…