Opinion ID: 1804028
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Heritage Mutual Insurance Company/Belt

Text: [¶ 7.] William Belt has been employed by Automated Maintenance since 1990. Belt suffered a rotator cuff tear in June 1991 and underwent surgery to repair the injury. He returned to work but in July 1992, developed carpal tunnel syndrome, undergoing surgery in January 1993. The carpal tunnel injury resulted in a 5 percent permanent partial impairment to each upper extremity. As a result, Belt received $1,808.20 in permanent partial disability benefits. Heritage paid $32,499.04 in benefits to Belt based upon his carpal tunnel condition. [¶ 8.] Heritage notified SIF of a claim based upon carpal tunnel surgeries on May 17, 1996. Heritage made a claim for an amount based upon the 1984 version of SDCL 62-4-34. SIF issued findings of fact and conclusions of law awarding reimbursement using the two-thirds calculation available based upon the 1995 version of SDCL 62-4-34. Heritage filed a petition for hearing requesting payment of the shortfall plus prejudgment interest. The parties filed competing motions for summary judgment. Department granted Heritage's motion for summary judgment, awarding Heritage full reimbursement. Department concluded that the law in effect when the injury occurred governed the rights of the parties.