Frye v. Smith-Doyle Contractors

HABHAB, Chief Judge.

On May 3, 1993, Robert Frye jumped to his death from a bridge into the Des Moines River. He was survived by his wife Rebecca and two minor children. The record reveals Robert had a long history of depression and substance abuse. Further, he had been incarcerated about half the time since his graduation from high school. He had a very limited work history. Prior to receiving workers’ compensation benefits, his annual income was never more than a few hundred dollars per year.

On September 24,1990, Robert suffered an injury to his back while at work at appellee Smith-Doyle…