Smith v. University of Alaska, Fairbanks

OPINION

MATTHEWS, Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

Gary Smith worked at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks (UAF) power plant for almost twenty years before he injured his back at work in July 1999. He continued working for a little more than a week following the injury, hoping his back would improve. When it did not, he took his previously scheduled annual leave and filed a notice of injury with UAF. About three and a half weeks after the injury, he experienced extreme pain in his lower back and right leg when he tried to climb into his truck. Three days later the pain was so intense that he was…