Title: 

APD 031639

Significant Decision

Date: 

August 1, 2003

Issues: 

Course & Scope of Employment, Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 031639

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 May 28, 2003. The hearing officer determined that the respondent (claimant) was not participating in horseplay at the time of his injury and, therefore, the appellant (carrier) is not relieved of liability for compensation; that the claimant sustained a compensable injury on ____________; and that the claimant had disability beginning on February 2, 2003, and continuing through the date of the hearing. The carrier appeals this decision. The claimant urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

We have reviewed the complained-of determinations and conclude that the issues involved factual questions for the hearing officer to resolve. Section 410.165(a) provides that the hearing officer, as finder of fact, is the sole judge of the relevance and materiality of the evidence as well as of the weight and credibility that is to be given to the evidence. It was for the hearing officer, as trier of fact, to resolve the inconsistencies and conflicts in the evidence and to decide what facts the evidence has established. Garza v. Commercial Ins. Co., 508 S.W.2d 701, 702 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, no writ). Nothing in our review of the record indicates that the hearing officer’s decision is 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 ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

LEO MALO

12222 MERIT DRIVE, SUITE 700

DALLAS, TEXAS 75251.

Chris Cowan

CONCUR:

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge

Michael B. McShane

Appeals Panel

Manager/Judge