Court of Appeals Reverses District Court, Awards Benefits for Bilateral Shoulder Injuries
Mercy Medical Center v. Lund , No. 21-0523 (Iowa App. Jan. 12, 2022) Claimant worked at a job at Mercy Medical Center that required assembling materials for surgery, which required heavy work exerting up to 65 pounds of push/pull force and the lifting of up to 50 pounds sometimes and 40 pounds frequently. While lifting trays over her head, she felt pain in the right side of her neck and both shoulders felt tight and sore. She was diagnosed with bilateral shoulder impingement by Dr. Harbach. His notes indicated that claimant hurt after performing all of her work duties. Claimant was also seen by an ARNP who noted that claimant was injured lifting surgical pans. Dr. Aviles diagnosed a full thickness rotator cuff tear and recommended surgery. He later indicated that he did not believe the rotator cuff tear resulted from work. Further medical care from the employer was denied. Dr. Davick saw claimant and provided treatment. Claimant's counsel ...