Faircloth v. Raven Industries, Inc.

[¶ 1.] In this workers’ compensation appeal, we must decide which of two statutes of limitations applies to a claim. The employer contends that the two-year limitation in SDCL 62-7-35 pertains because the employer gave written notice denying the claim. The employee, on the other hand, contends that the three-year period in SDCL 62-7-35.1 applies because the employer previously provided benefits to the employee. The Department of Labor ruled that the claim was barred under the two-year statute of limitations. On appeal, the circuit court reversed, applying the three-year statute. We conclude…