When a Workplace Injury Becomes a Dental Case
After a 2012 accident left him in a coma, a Delaware man’s dental problems eventually became the subject of a workers’ compensation battle that reached the state Supreme Court.
In 2012, Craig Peed was working for Essential Staffing Inc as a temporary employee in Delaware when a large tree branch fell, severely injuring him. Peed was intubated and remained in a coma during which time he did not receive any dental care.
Following his recovery, Peed received total disability benefits. However, years later, his maxillary teeth began fracturing at the gingival margin, requiring significant dental work. The Delaware Industrial Accident Board (IAB) found that the deterioration of his maxillary teeth was related to his accident and Essential Staffing Inc’s workers’ compensation plan paid for the treatment, which involved placing crowns on each maxillary tooth.
In 2023, Peed reported that his mandibular teeth were also compromised and asked to be reimbursed by Essential Staffing Inc’s workers’ compensation for further treatment. Peed’s dentist stated that the deterioration of his mandibular teeth was related to wear caused by the crowns originally placed on the maxillary teeth and the fact that Peed had not received any dental care while he was in a coma in 2012.
Essential Staffing Inc balked at this request and took the case to the Delaware IAB. The staffing company presented an expert witness who disputed claims that Peed’s current dental problems were related to the 2012 accident. The IAB agreed and Peed’s claim was denied. Undeterred, Peed took the case all the way to the Delaware Supreme Court. The Supreme Court agreed with the IAB and dental benefits were denied.
The case does not include a detailed description of the initial oral injuries or the subsequent dental problems, which makes it challenging to take sides in this case. What do you think? Was this a money grab or did the courts make the wrong decision? Click here to read more.
