Opinion ID: 2010464
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: trial judge's findings

Text: The trial judge awarded Frauendorfer TTD benefits in the amount of $332.84 per week from October 5, 1995the date of his first surgeryuntil January 21, 1996, the day before Reckmeyer expressed an opinion that Frauendorfer could return to work in a limited capacity. In addition, the trial judge awarded him TPD benefits in the amount of $99.85 per week for the period from January 22, 1996 to February 10, 1998the day before his second surgeryan amount that the trial judge stated represented a TPD of 30 percent. This award was based upon the trial judge's finding that the evidence showed Frauendorfer frequently worked less than 8 hour shifts during this period or received a lower wage. The trial judge conceded that there was no medical opinion that Frauendorfer was unable to work 8-hour shifts during this time. He, however, relied upon Stricklett's 1997 report, in which she concluded that Frauendorfer would have a 30-percent loss of earning capacity at Lindsay if he were restricted to 8-hour shifts. The trial judge awarded Frauendorfer a second period of TTD benefits from February 11, 1998the day of his second surgeryto February 2, 1999, the day before his MMI. Concerning Frauendorfer's permanent disability, the trial judge acknowledged that Lindsay had offered Frauendorfer employment with a sit-or-stand option and which required little physical exertion. But the trial judge specifically stated that he believed Frauendorfer's testimony that he needed to lie down to relieve his back pain from either prolonged sitting or standing. Furthermore, the trial judge stated that he found Roger's opinion persuasive. From this evidence, the trial judge awarded Frauendorfer PTD benefits from February 3, 1999, the date of his MMI, and further PTD benefits as long as he remained permanently and totally disabled.