Helena/West Helena Schools v. Hislip

John B. Robbins, Judge.

Appellee Regina Hislip sustained a compensable neck injury while working for appellant Helena/West Helena Schools on October 24, 1998. Dr. Gregory Ricca subsequently performed a fusion surgery, which was unsuccessful. He recommended a second fusion surgery, but benefits for the second surgery were controverted by the appellant based on its contention that Mrs. Hislip’s continued smoking constituted an independent intervening cause, which prolonged her need for treatment. The Workers’ Compensation Commission agreed and denied Mrs. Hislip’s claim for additional medical…