Belfield v. Weyerhaeuser Co.

EAGLES, Judge.

Although the parties do not raise the issue, we first consider whether this appeal is properly before us. In re Watson, 70 N.C. App. 120, 318 S.E. 2d 544 (1984), disc. rev. denied, 313 N.C. 330, 327 S.E. 2d 900 (1985). The effect of the full Commission’s order is not to dispose of the merits of the claim but merely to allow the proceeding to be heard. Accordingly, the order is interlocutory. See Poret v. State Personnel Comm., 74 N.C. App. 536, 328 S.E. 2d 880, disc. rev. denied, 314 N.C. 117, 332 S.E. 2d 491 (1985). Nevertheless, in our discretion we consider the merits.

I

The…