Stainless Specialty Manufacturing Co. v. Industrial Commission

FELDMAN, Justice.

The question presented is whether a workers’ compensation claim may be reopened to permit payment for medical care necessary to treat the sequelae of an industrial injury where the continuation of symptoms and developments in medicine have created a change in the medical needs of the injured worker, even though there has been no change in his physical condition.

Donald D. Appleton (claimant) was originally injured at work in January, 1975. His claim was last closed in August, 1981, with a 25% impairment of the right leg; no recommendation for surgery was made at that time.…