Title: 

APD 022958

Significant Decision

Date: 

January 6, 2003

Issues: 

Compensability-Occupationl Inj, Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Timely Reporting to Employer

Table of Contents

APD 022958

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 October 23, 2002. The hearing officer determined that (1) the respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury; (2) the date of injury was _____________; (3) the appellant (carrier) is not relieved from liability under Section 409.002 because the claimant timely notified her employer pursuant to Section 409.001; and (4) the claimant had disability beginning June 19, 2002, and continuing through the date of the hearing. The carrier appeals these determinations on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The claimant did not file a response.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in reaching the complained-of determinations. The determinations involved questions of fact for the hearing officer to resolve. The hearing officer is the sole judge of the weight and credibility of the evidence (Section 410.165(a)) and, as the trier of fact, resolves the conflicts and inconsistencies in the evidence including the medical evidence (Texas Employers Insurance Association v. Campos, 666 S.W.2d 286 (Tex. App.-Houston [14th Dist.] 1984, no writ)). In view of the evidence presented, we cannot conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations are 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).

The decision and order of the hearing officer are affirmed.

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

CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

800 BRAZOS, SUITE 750, COMMODORE 1

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.

Edward Vilano

CONCUR:

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

Robert W. Potts – Appeals Judge