Bignell v. Wise Mechanical Contractors

OPINION

COMPTON, Justice.

The main issue in this case is whether an injured worker should be considered temporarily disabled under the Workers’ Compensation Act only until his medical condition stabilizes, or whether an employee may continue to receive temporary disability benefits while participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program. This case also raises a question concerning the award of attorney’s fees in workers’ compensation cases.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

Edwin Bignell, a construction worker, suffered a back injury in the course of his employment with Wise…