Branum v. J. Ray Mcdermott & Co.

LANDRY, Judge.

The pivotal issue presented by this appeal is whether acrophobia (fear of heights) resulting from an accident is totally and permanently disabling to a workman employed as a shipfitter. The trial court decided the matter in favor of the injured employee, Branum. Plaintiff’s employer, J. Ray McDermott and Company (McDermott), and its insurer, The Travelers Insurance Company (Travelers) have appealed. We affirm.

More precisely, the question to be resolved is whether ability to climb constitutes such an important part of the duties of a shipfitter, that inability to work aloft…