Cochran v. Dept. of Transportation

Summary

The court held that a claimant whose compensable workplace injury causes total incapacity remains eligible for total incapacity benefits even when the incapacity occurs after voluntary retirement. The statute requires a causal relationship between the injury and incapacity but does not require an actual wage loss, willingness to work, or an intention to return to the workforce. The court reversed and remanded for consideration of the employer’s unresolved alternative claim concerning benefits following unauthorized out-of-state medical treatment.