Wills v. Boise Cascade Corp.

The issue in this workers’ compensation case is which of two employers is responsible for an injury to claimant’s right wrist. Its resolution depends on whether the second of two injuries to the right wrist worsened the underlying condition or merely aggravated his symptoms.

Claimant fractured his right wrist on May 27, 1976, while working for Boise Cascade in Washington. He underwent two surgeries and subsequently received a 30 percent permanent partial disability award under Washington’s Workers’ Compensation law. When the Washington mill closed in March, 1979, claimant obtained employment…