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Court upholds shoulder treatment in comp dispute over preexisting condition - Business Insurance Skip to content Register for free Search Search Log In Risk Management Cyber Risks Pricing Trends Mergers & Acquisitions Technology Sponsored Content WSIA RISKWORLD Workers Comp & Safety Workers Comp Cost Control Pain Management Workplace Safety International EMEA Asia-Pacific Latin America People Events BI Intelligence Top 100 Agents & Brokers Best Places to Work 2025 Lists Directories Insurance Pricing BI Stock Index Magazine Current Issue Past Issues Subscribe Women to Watch ALL INsurance Resources Risk Perspectives Sponsored Content Webinars White Papers Risk Management Cyber Risks Pricing Trends Mergers & Acquisitions Technology Sponsored Content WSIA RISKWORLD Workers Comp & Safety Workers Comp Cost Control Pain Management Workplace Safety International EMEA Asia-Pacific Latin America People Events BI Intelligence Top 100 Agents & Brokers Best Places to Work 2025 Lists Directories Insurance Pricing BI Stock Index Magazine Current Issue Past Issues Subscribe Women to Watch ALL INsurance Resources Risk Perspectives Sponsored Content Webinars White Papers Risk Management Cyber Risks Pricing Trends Mergers & Acquisitions Technology Sponsored Content WSIA RISKWORLD Workers Comp & Safety Workers Comp Cost Control Pain Management Workplace Safety International EMEA Asia-Pacific Latin America People Events BI Intelligence Top 100 Agents & Brokers Best Places to Work 2025 Lists Directories Insurance Pricing BI Stock Index Magazine Current Issue Past Issues Subscribe Women to Watch ALL INsurance Resources Risk Perspectives Sponsored Content Webinars White Papers Risk Management Cyber Risks Pricing Trends Mergers & Acquisitions Technology Sponsored Content WSIA RISKWORLD Workers Comp & Safety Workers Comp Cost Control Pain Management Workplace Safety International EMEA Asia-Pacific Latin America People Events BI Intelligence Top 100 Agents & Brokers Best Places to Work 2025 Lists Directories Insurance Pricing BI Stock Index Magazine Current Issue Past Issues Subscribe Women to Watch ALL INsurance Resources Risk Perspectives Sponsored Content Webinars White Papers Court upholds shoulder treatment in comp dispute over preexisting condition by Louise Esola Claims Disputes , Workers Comp , Workers Comp Coverage Zurich May 22, 2026 A now-deceased delivery driver’s shoulder replacement was compensable, a Louisiana appeals court ruled Wednesday, finding that evidence supported the claim that a work-related vehicle accident aggravated his pre-existing shoulder condition. The Louisiana Court of Appeal, Second Circuit, affirmed a ruling in Stevie Michael Holmes v. Replacement Parts Inc. and Zurich American Insurance Co. , holding that Replacement Parts and Zurich must pay for reasonable and necessary medical treatment for Mr. Holmes’ entire injury. Mr. Holmes, who worked for Bumper to Bumper, also known as Replacement Parts, was injured in a work-related accident in April 2023 while employed as a delivery driver. Replacement Parts and Zurich admitted he was injured in an employment-related accident and had paid temporary disability benefits, but disputed liability for additional medical treatment, including treatment for his left shoulder. A workers comp judge initially approved treatment for Mr. Holmes’ neck but denied treatment for his left shoulder, finding that the medical evidence did not connect the shoulder complaints to the accident. Mr. Holmes later sought reconsideration and submitted additional evidence. After his death from liver cancer, his wife and children were substituted as plaintiffs. The judge later found Mr. Holmes’ left shoulder complaints compensable and ordered the defendants to pay for treatment. The appeals court rejected further arguments on causation, leaning on the “totality” of credible medical and lay evidence, noting evidence that Mr. Holmes could perform his job duties before the accident, including lifting and bagging heavy items, but could not do so afterward. His supervisor testified that Mr. Holmes complained of left shoulder and neck injuries at the accident scene and that prior shoulder soreness had not affected his work. The court also cited medical evidence from a physician who concluded that Mr. Holmes had a preexisting shoulder condition that was aggravated by the work-related motor vehicle accident, including evidence of increased symptoms and biceps tendon inflammation after the collision. Because the record provided a reasonable factual basis for the workers comp judge’s findings, the appeals court said it could not find manifest error or abuse of discretion. Related News Generali’s Q1 premiums climb 7% May 22, 2026 European reinsurers’ earnings rise despite revenue drop: Fitch May 22, 2026 Sava Re’s business volume grows on reinsurance gains May 22, 2026 Bishop Street names U.K. underwriting chief May 22, 2026 Acrisure to lay off 2,250, citing AI May 22, 2026 Berkshire Hathaway unit rolls out Swiss casualty cover May 22, 2026 Aon appoints two EMEA chiefs May 22, 2026 UAE insurers’ revenue and profit climb May 22, 2026 War tops business violence concerns: Allianz May 22, 2026 Facebook-f X-twitter Linkedin-in Business Insurance is a singular, authoritative news and information source for executives focused upon risk management, risk transfer and risk financing. 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