Title: 

APD 040499

Significant Decision

Date: 

April 22, 2004

Issues: 

Contest by Employer

Table of Contents

APD 040499

This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing was held on February 3, 2004. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issue by deciding that the respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury on _______________. The appellant (employer) appeals, contending that the evidence is insufficient to support the hearing officer’s decision. No response was received from the claimant.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The claimant claimed that he was injured during a robbery of the store he worked at. After the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier accepted liability, the employer contested compensability under Section 409.011(b)(4). The claimant had the burden to prove that he sustained a compensable injury as defined by Section 401.011(10). Conflicting evidence was presented on the disputed issue. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence. Section 410.165(a). As the finder of fact, the hearing officer resolves the conflicts in the evidence and determines what facts have been established. Although there is conflicting evidence in this case, we conclude that the hearing officer’s determination that the claimant sustained a compensable injury is supported by sufficient evidence and is not so against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong and unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W. 2d 175 (Tex. 1986).

We affirm the hearing officer’s decision and order.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is TEXAS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

MR. RUSSELL R. OLIVER, PRESIDENT

221 W. 6TH STREET

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Robert W. Potts

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Veronica L. Ruberto – Appeals Judge