Court Overturns Award for Second of Identical Injuries

The Virginia Court of Appeals overturned an award of benefits to a worker who suffered identical foot injuries 11 years apart. Case: HealthSouth Corp. v. Hawthorne, No. 2058-23-3, 09/03/2024, unpublished. Facts: Pamela Hawthorne worked for HealthSouth Corp. She fractured the fifth metatarsal on her right foot when she caught it on the carpet in an office in June 2011. Hawthorne’s treatment included a walking boot and a bone stimulator. She missed no work and was discharged from care with no restrictions after six months of treatment. In November 2022, Hawthorne was taking out a bag o...