Ferns v. Russ Graham Shell Service

The defendants in these cases claim, inter alia, that the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board erred in placing the burden of proof on them with regard to the question whether the plaintiff, who has received 800 weeks of benefits for total and permanent disability, continues to be totally disabled beyond the 800-week period established in MCL 418.351; MSA 17.237(351). We agree with the WCAB’s ruling.

I

On April 7, 1960, plaintiff John S. Ferns sustained the loss by amputation of his left leg below the knee and amputation of part of the distal phalanges of the third and fourth fingers of his right…