Hypeco, Inc. v. Hawkins

This is an appeal from a judgment awarding workmen's compensation benefits for permanent and total disability.

In October 1991, Billy Hawkins filed a complaint against his employer, Hypeco, Inc. He alleged that, as a result of two separate furnace malfunctions, he was exposed to and inhaled natural gas while working within the line and scope of his employment. He further alleged that as a result, he suffered pulmonary damage. Hypeco responded, inter alia, that, because Hawkins had been previously diagnosed as suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the trial court should…