Title: 

APD 030941

Significant Decision

Date: 

May 22, 2003

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj, Timely Reporting to Employer

Table of Contents

APD 030941

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 March 24, 2003. The hearing officer determined that (1) the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on _______ __, __, or __, ____; (2) the claimant did not have disability; and (3) the respondent (carrier) is relieved form liability under Section 409.002, because the claimant failed to timely notify his employer of an injury pursuant to Section 409.001, without good cause. The claimant appeals these determinations on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The carrier urges affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in reaching the complained-of determinations. The determinations involved questions of fact for the hearing officer to resolve. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence (Section 410.165(a)) and, as the trier of fact, resolves the conflicts and inconsistencies in the evidence including the medical evidence (Texas Employers Insurance Association v. Campos, 666 S.W.2d 286 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, no writ)). In view of the evidence presented, we cannot conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations are 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).

The decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is CASUALTY RECIPROCAL EXCHANGE and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

FRED S. STRADLEY

9330 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1400, ABRAMS CENTER

DALLAS, TEXAS 75243.

Edward Vilano

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge