This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing (CCH) was held on June 28, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on ____________; that the claimant did not timely notify his employer of an injury or have good cause for not timely reporting the injury; and that because the claimant did not sustain a compensable injury, the claimant did not have disability. The claimant appeals those determinations and the respondent (carrier) responds, urging affirmance.
DECISION
Affirmed.
First we address the claimant’s objection, for the first time on appeal, to evidence admitted at the CCH. The claimant contends that he did not object at the CCH because he did not know he could object to evidence that was offered by the carrier. Ignorance of the law is a defense long rejected by the Appeals Panel. See Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Appeal No. 961858, decided November 6, 1996, and Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Appeal No. 94448, decided June 1, 1994.
The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence. Section 410.165(a). The hearing officer reviewed the record and resolved what facts were established. We conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations are sufficiently supported by the record and are not so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong or manifestly unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986).
We affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.
The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is COLONIAL CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is
BILL HAGAN
12850 SPURLING DRIVE, SUITE 250
DALLAS, TEXAS 75230.
Roy L. Warren – Appeals Judge
CONCUR:
Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge
Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge