Opinion ID: 1809299
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: whether substantial evidence existed to support the commission's decision.

Text: ¶ 40. Parchman argues that the evidence is overwhelming that Amwood had `actual notice' of the injury and that the Court of Appeals ignored this evidence. Having just set out in toto section 71-3-35(1), I repeat here only a portion of the statute relevant to my discussion of this issue. Regardless of whether notice was received, if no payment of compensation (other than medical treatment or burial expense) is made and no application for benefits filed with the commission within two years from the date of the injury or death, the right to compensation therefor shall be barred. (Emphasis added). I find that, regardless of whether Amwood had actual notice of Parchman's injury, the statute of limitations began to run at the time of the injury, and thus ran in March 2002, because Amwood made no compensation to Parchman and Parchman did not file a claim until July 23, 2003. This issue is without merit. ¶ 41. I respectfully disagree with the majority in its analysis. It is clear from the facts discussed supra that Parchman was in fact doing the essential functions of his job at least until February 2002 because he was absent only for doctor's appointments, which he scheduled mostly during lunchtimes. Parchman was a salaried employee and was free to schedule his appointments as he wished. From February 2002 until Parchman was terminated, he worked full-time when he was able and communicated his managerial decisions by telephone while away. Parchman even went to Amwood one day during treatments when he was needed to fix a problem. Greer testified that he paid Parchman to do his job and was concerned only that the work got done. It is clear from the record that Amwood was paying Parchman for the job that he was doing and did not pay him in lieu of benefits. Accordingly, pursuant to the statute, it is irrelevant whether Amwood had actual notice of Parchman's work-related injury because Parchman received no compensation and did not file his claim within two years.