Johnson v. Southern Tire Sales and Service

EDMUNDS, Justice.

This case arises from proceedings before the North Carolina Industrial Commission (the Commission) and raises the issue of whether the Commission erred in awarding Willie B. Johnson (plaintiff) ongoing total disability compensation as a result of his 24 October 1996 work-related injury.

The evidence in this case showed that plaintiff was employed by Southern Tire Sales and Service (defendant-employer) as a mechanic. On 24 October 1996, plaintiff sustained a work-related injury to his back while replacing a vehicle’s lower ball joint. When an iron pry bar that plaintiff was…