Title: 

APD 031887

Significant Decision

Date: 

September 3, 2003

Issues: 

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

Table of Contents

APD 031887

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 June 18, 2003. The hearing officer determined that (1) the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury to either his right wrist or his low back on _____________; (2) the respondent (carrier) is relieved from liability under Section 409.002, because the claimant failed to timely notify his employer of an injury, without good cause, in accordance with Section 409.001; and (3) the claimant did not have disability. The claimant appealed these determinations on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The carrier urges affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The hearing officer did not err in making 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). Because the claimant did not sustain a compensable injury, the hearing officer properly concluded that the claimant did not have disability. Section 401.011(16).

The decision and order of the hearing officer is affirmed.

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

CT CORPORATION SYSTEM

350 NORTH ST. PAUL STREET

DALLAS, TEXAS 75201.

Edward Vilano

CONCUR:

Judy L. S. Barnes – Appeals Judge

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge