Title: 

APD 012000

Significant Decision

Date: 

October 3, 2001

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 012000

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 August 7, 2001. The appellant (carrier) appeals the hearing officer’s determinations that the respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury on ________, and that the claimant has disability from October 27, 2000, and continuing through the date of the CCH. The claimant responds, urging affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

There was conflicting evidence concerning each of these findings. 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 the evidence. When reviewing a hearing officer’s decision for factual sufficiency of the evidence, we should reverse such decision only if it is so contrary to the great weight and preponderance of the evidence as to be clearly wrong and unjust. Cain v. Bain, 709 S.W.2d 175, 176 (Tex. 1986); Pool v. Ford Motor Co., 715 S.W.2d 629, 635 (Tex. 1986). Applying this standard, we find no grounds to reverse the factual findings of the hearing officer.

The decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

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

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

800 BRAZOS STREET

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Michael B. McShane – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge