Kenneth E. Paulson v. Idaho Forest

The issues presented by this appeal arise under Idaho's workmen's compensation law. I.C. §§ 72-101 to -929. The Industrial Commission ordered defendant appellants Idaho Forest Industries, Inc., and Workmen's Compensation Exchange to provide claimant respondent Kenneth Paulson with medical treatment for his mental condition and to pay Paulson income benefits for temporary total disability. Appellants assign error to the finding that Paulson's work related injuries caused his psychological disorder. They also contest the award of income benefits for temporary total disability, apparently disputing the commission's findings that Paulson's condition was subject to further medical treatment and was not stable and that Paulson was totally disabled. Paulson has filed a motion in this Court for attorney fees. We affirm and grant Paulson attorney fees. Paulson sustained two lower back injuries while doing physical labor as an employee of Idaho Forest Industries. He fell and injured himself first in October of 1972 and underwent surgery a week after the mishap. He returned to Idaho Forest Industries in July of 1973 to do light work, but a few days later he fell and reinjured his back. He underwent surgery again in November of 1973.