In Beascoechea v. Liberty Northwest Insurance Corporation decided November 17, 2016 the Claimant was found to be 45% disabled inclusive of his 6% permanent partial impairment rating. At the time of the hearing the Claimant was 68 years old and had told everyone he was retired. The Claimant had Dr. Mary Barros-Bailey PhD. testify on his behalf. Dr. Barros-Bailey opined that the Claimant was 60% permanent partially disabled if the Claimant did not return to work for the pre-injury employer and astonishing enough, testified that if the Claimant did return to work that there would be no loss of labor market access, and wage loss, therefore no disability. Dr. Barros-Bailey was the only expert that testified in the case. It is astonishing that the Claimant was awarded any disability at all in this case given the following:
- The employer had offered a job to the Claimant and was willing to accommodate his restrictions.