The Mississippi Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling granting Christy Moore permanent total disability benefits after she suffered injuries while working for Ajinomoto Foods North America. The court's decision affects Moore and sets a precedent for similar workers' compensation cases in the state.
The case, Ajinomoto Foods North America and Liberty Insurance Corporation v. Christy Moore, was filed on July 28, 2026, under docket number 2025-WC-01107-COA. The court reviewed the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission's order, which found that Moore experienced a total occupational loss of use in both hands and work-related osteoarthritis.
Moore began her employment with Ajinomoto in September 2018, working on a production line that involved repetitive tasks such as stuffing and folding burritos. After some time, she was moved to the pack-out line, where she placed flash-frozen burritos into boxes. Moore reported experiencing pain in her hands due to the cold temperatures and the repetitive nature of her work. Despite her complaints, she was cleared to return to work after a medical evaluation.
On October 1, 2019, Moore left a voicemail with the HR department stating she could not work due to rheumatoid arthritis. She later sought medical attention and was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. After undergoing surgery on her right hand, she filed a petition for workers’ compensation, alleging her injuries were work-related. The case progressed through the workers’ compensation system, ultimately reaching the Court of Appeals.
The court's ruling focused on two main issues: whether Moore suffered a total occupational loss and whether her osteoarthritis was work-related. The court found that the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission correctly determined that Moore's injuries constituted a total occupational loss, stating, "The Commission found both that Moore was unable to return to the position she held at the time of her injury, as she was no longer able to perform the essential functions of her pre-injury position."
Additionally, the court affirmed the Commission's finding that Moore's osteoarthritis was aggravated by her work at Ajinomoto. The court noted that substantial evidence supported the Commission's conclusions, including medical opinions and Moore's testimony. The ruling emphasized that the Commission's factual findings were credible and not clearly erroneous.
This decision is significant as it reinforces the standards for determining total occupational loss in workers' compensation cases in Mississippi. The court clarified that a claimant does not need to prove a reasonable effort to find work if they can demonstrate an inability to perform substantial acts of their usual employment.
The ruling also highlights the importance of medical evidence in establishing a causal connection between work-related injuries and claimed disabilities. The court noted that while the Employer argued that Moore's osteoarthritis was unrelated to her employment, the Commission found credible evidence linking her condition to her work at Ajinomoto.
The implications of this ruling extend beyond Moore. It sets a precedent for future cases involving workers' compensation claims, particularly those involving repetitive motion injuries and the assessment of total occupational loss. Employers and employees alike will need to consider the standards set by this ruling when navigating similar disputes.
Looking ahead, it is unclear if Ajinomoto or Liberty Insurance Corporation will appeal the decision. However, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in workers' compensation claims and the importance of thorough documentation and medical evidence.