Opinion ID: 2534396
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Nelson Doctrine

Text: Precision contends it is protected from liability under the doctrine articulated by this Court in Nelson v. Ponsness-Warren Idgas Enterprises, 126 Idaho 129, 133, 879 P.2d 592, 596 (1994). The Nelson doctrine provides that a claimant seeking compensation for the aggravation of a preexisting condition must prove his injuries are attributable to an accident that can reasonably be located as to the time and place it occurred. Id. Sundquist has not pointed to an identifiable accident or mishap contributing to his medical condition. However, the findings of fact reached by the Industrial Commission included a determination that Sundquist's occupational disease was not preexisting to his employment with that firm. The Nelson doctrine does not apply to all cases where there is an occupational disease, only in those where the claimant's occupational disease preexisted employment with the employer from whom benefits are sought. Id. Consequently, the Nelson doctrine would only be applicable in this case if Precision were able to persuade this Court to overturn the Industrial Commission's factual finding as to when Sundquist's condition first became manifest. Precision argues that because Sundquist suffered from pain prior to coming to work for Precision, the Industrial Commission was wrong to find that Sundquist's occupational disease was not a preexisting condition. In making its determination, the Industrial Commission considered evidence including Sundquist's testimony, his medical records, and the deposition testimony of physicians who had examined him. Precision has not argued that the Industrial Commission lacked substantial and competent evidence to support its factual finding.