Opinion ID: 1296076
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: head and neck injuries

Text: Volkman does not contest the compensability of the head and neck injuries which Swoboda sustained in the accident in April 2000, but contends that the compensation court erred in determining that Swoboda sustained a 45-percent loss of earning capacity as a result of such injuries. A determination as to whether an injured worker has had a loss of earning power is a question of fact to be determined by the Workers' Compensation Court. Frauendorfer v. Lindsay Mfg. Co., 263 Neb. 237, 639 N.W.2d 125 (2002); Hagelstein v. Swift-Eckrich, 261 Neb. 305, 622 N.W.2d 663 (2001). Earning power, as used in Neb.Rev.Stat. § 48-121(2) (Reissue 2004), is not synonymous with wages, but includes eligibility to procure employment generally, ability to hold a job obtained, and capacity to perform the tasks of the work, as well as the ability of the worker to earn wages in the employment in which he or she is engaged or for which he or she is fitted. Zavala v. ConAgra Beef Co., 265 Neb. 188, 655 N.W.2d 692 (2003); Frauendorfer v. Lindsay Mfg. Co., supra . Volkman argues that Swoboda continued to work as a plumber after the 2000 accident and was able to perform his duties until after the 2001 shoulder injuries. The record reflects that Swoboda returned to work without restrictions after the 2000 accident. However, there is also evidence in the record that Swoboda continued to suffer pain while performing his work duties after the 2000 accident. In addition, his physician eventually restricted Swoboda's ability to do overhead work as a result of his head and neck injuries. Two physicians also essentially opined that no further treatment could alleviate his symptoms. Because Swoboda's work as a plumber involved substantial overhead activities and there is evidence that he was not qualified to perform many other work functions, we conclude that there is competent evidence in the record to support the trial court's finding of a 45-percent loss of earning capacity.