Title: 

APD 022719

Significant Decision

Date: 

November 27, 2002

Issues: 

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

Table of Contents

APD 022719

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 September 24, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on _____________; that he did not timely report the claimed injury to his employer; and that he did not have disability. The claimant appeals these determinations. The respondent (carrier) urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The claimant had the burden to prove that he sustained a compensable injury on _____________, had disability, and timely reported the injury to his employer. These issues presented the hearing officer with questions of fact 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, 702 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, no writ). It was the hearing officer’s prerogative to believe all, part, or none of the testimony of any witness, including that of the claimant. Aetna Insurance Company v. English, 204 S.W.2d 850 (Tex. Civ. App.-Fort Worth 1947, no writ). Nothing in our review of the record indicates that this decision 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 (Tex. 1986).

The hearing officer’s decision and order is affirmed.

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

MR. RUSSELL R. OLIVER, PRESIDENT

221 WEST 6TH STREET

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Gary L. Kilgore

CONCUR:

Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge