Opinion ID: 1301336
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: the worker's compensation claim is barred for failure to file a proceeding within one year after the date of the accident

Text: The worker suffered injuries in an automobile collision. His claim is based on a single-event injury and, hence, can escape legislative extinguishment only if a proceeding was brought within one year (now a two-year interval) of the date the accident occurred. This is the very date the worker first became charged with legal awareness of some defect, or ill effect, from the job-related occurrence. His lack of knowledge  at that point in time  of the full extent of his disability is legally irrelevant. Because the record clearly demonstrates the worker was immediately aware of his October 1977 accident, he was also legally aware at that time of present or potential harm. Consequently, the worker had a duty to file his claim within one year of that date. His March 1979 claim, filed more than one year after the accident's occurrence, is barred by § 43. CERTIORARI IS GRANTED, THE COURT OF APPEALS' OPINION IS VACATED AND THE ORDER OF THE REVIEW PANEL OF THE WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT IS SUSTAINED. HARGRAVE, C.J., and HODGES, LAVENDER and SIMMS, JJ., concur. DOOLIN, ALMA WILSON and SUMMERS, JJ., dissent. KAUGER, J., dissents by reason of stare decisis.