Stevens v. S.T. Servs.

In 1984 and 1985, James Stevens injured both shoulders while working for S.T. Services and CNA Insurance Companies (collectively, S.T. Services). In 1994, Stevens and S.T. Services entered into a stipulation for settlement under which the parties agreed that Stevens was permanently totally disabled and would receive ongoing permanent total disability benefits. A compensation judge entered an award on the stipulation, and Stevens received benefits until 2011. Stevens began working as a plumbing specialist in 2008 and disclosed his job to S.T. Stevens but continued to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In 2011, S.T. Services filed a petition with the Workers Compensation Court of Appeals (WCCA) to discontinue paying benefits on the grounds that Stevens was no longer permanently totally disabled. A compensation judge granted S.T. Services’ petition to discontinue, and the WCCA affirmed. The Supreme Court reversed, holding that S.T. Services was not allowed by statute to file a petition to discontinue benefits under the circumstances of this case. View "Stevens v. S.T. Servs." on Justia Law