Southern California Edison Co. v. Industrial Accident Commission

On November 24, 1961, Clayton Adams, hereafter referred to as applicant, was hit on the forehead by a ladder while engaged in his employment as service crew foreman for Southern California Edison Company, hereafter referred to as petitioner. He continued to work for almost two weeks after which he noticed a “spot” before his right eye, and on January 5, 1962, underwent surgery for a detached retina. In February, applicant returned to work and continued until March when he suffered a hemorrhage in the right eye. Two months later, he had a heart attack. Applicant had coronary arteriosclerosis, a nonoccupational heart ailment, long prior to November 24, 1961, but apparently the condition had been asymptomatic.

*569 Application for permanent disability was filed with the Industrial Accident Commission, respondent herein, on February 13, 1963,' and hearings were held thereon. On June 3, 1965, the referee issued findings and award wherein he determined that applicant had sustained injury “consisting of a detached retina, right eye, and to his right ear, head, aggravation of pre-existing arteriosclerosis, cardiac condition and emotional disturbance” which he rated at 93*4 per cent of…