Name
Donald Oakes v. Don's Stove Shop
Insurance Company
Maine Employer's Mutual
Date Decided
January 6, 2021
Panel Members
David Hirtle
Tom Pelletier
Mike Stovall
Categories
Compensability Medical EvidenceTags
File Size
149 KB
DownloadSummary from the Troubh Heisler Attorneys
Donald Oakes v. Don’s Stove Shop (attached) - Oakes injured his left knee at work in 2013 and had surgeries in 2014 and 2015. He then developed pain in his right knee and claimed a sequela injury. His surgeon Dr. Huffard completed M-1s indicating both knees were “work-related,” but he also expressly stated that Oakes had a pre-existing degenerative process in the right knee, so he could not attribute his right knee pain to walking awkwardly with his left knee. Judge Elwin granted Oakes’ petitions on the left knee but denied them on the right knee, and Oakes appealed. The Appellate Division affirmed Judge Elwin’s decision, holding that ALJs can interpret and adopt the portions of medical opinions they find persuasive while rejecting other opinions, even if the opposing parties present no directly contradictory evidence. The moving parties’ evidence must meet both their burden of production and their burden of proof.