Longview Fibre Co. v. Weimer

Dimmick, J. —

At issue is whether a back condition (ruptured lumbosacral disk) precipitated by the normal bodily movement of bending over to pick up an object during the course of employment constitutes an "injury" within the meaning of the industrial insurance act. We hold that it does and reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals.

Leonard Weimer, 36 years old, was employed by Long-view Fibre Company in Seattle as a corrugator machine operator. On the morning of October 4, 1975, he noticed a metal strap lying on the floor. When reaching out to pick up the strap, he experienced a sharp pain…