Mr. Flamily was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2000 and filed for workers compensation. Four years earlier, Mr. Flamily had retired from the Orlando Fire Department with a disability settlement based on a heart condition. The city denied the hepatitis claim, saying Mr. Flamily had settled all claims in 1996. A judge of compensation claims ruled against Mr. Flamily's hepatitis claim and the First District Court of Appeal upheld that ruling. Mr. Flamily appealed to this Court.