Title: 

APD 022141

Significant Decision

Date: 

October 7, 2002

Issues: 

Compensability-Occupationl Inj, Timely Reporting to Employer

Table of Contents

APD 022141

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 July 29, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable repetitive trauma injury with a date of injury on or about _____________, and that the respondent (carrier) is relieved from liability under Section 409.002 because of the claimant’s failure to timely notify the employer pursuant to Section 409.001. The claimant appealed on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The file does not contain a response from the carrier.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The issues in this case presented 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 the evidence. It was for the hearing officer, as trier of fact, to resolve the inconsistencies and conflicts in the evidence. Garza v. Commercial Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, 508 S.W.2d 701 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, no writ). This is equally true regarding medical evidence. Texas Employers Insurance Association v. Campos, 666 S.W.2d 286 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, no writ). The trier of fact may believe all, part, or none of the testimony of any witness. Aetna Insurance Company v. English, 204 S.W.2d 850 (Tex. Civ. App.-Fort Worth 1947, no writ). We will reverse a factual determination of a hearing officer only if that determination is 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, 176 (Tex. 1986); Pool v. Ford Motor Company, 715 S.W.2d 629, 635 (Tex. 1986). Applying this standard of review to the record of this case, we decline to substitute our judgment for that of the hearing officer.

We affirm the decision and order of the hearing officer.

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

CT CORPORATION SYSTEMS

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET, SUITE 2900

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Veronica L. Ruberto

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Michael B. McShane – Appeals Judge