Title: 

APD 020296

Significant Decision

Date: 

March 20, 2002

Issues: 

Extent of Injury

Table of Contents

APD 020296

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 January 8, 2002. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issue by deciding that the respondent’s (claimant) compensable injury of ____________, includes an injury to the cervical spine. The appellant (carrier) appealed. No response was received from the claimant.

DECISION

The hearing officer’s decision is affirmed.

It is undisputed that the claimant sustained a compensable injury on ____________, when the claimant was lifting a patient. The disputed issue, on which the claimant has the burden of proof, is whether the compensable injury includes a cervical injury. Conflicting evidence was presented on this 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. We conclude that the hearing officer’s decision that the claimant’s compensable injury includes an injury to the cervical spine 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).

The hearing officer’s decision and order 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

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge