Sowers v. Covered Bridge Tree Service

ON PETITION TO TRANSFER

SHEPARD, Chief Justice.

The question is whether the Workers Compensation Board has authority to impose a lien on the proceeds an injured worker collects from a third party. We hold it does not.

Appellant John Sowers suffered a work-related accident in 1984 while employed by Covered Bridge Tree Service. Tri-County Telephone Co. engaged Covered Bridge for this work in order to facilitate mounting cable television lines on utility poles. The accident occurred on property owned by Halden and Rita Bodkins.

Sowers filed a workers compensation claim and received $21,000 from…