Title: 

APD 032970

Significant Decision

Date: 

December 30, 2003

Issues: 

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

Table of Contents

APD 032970

This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing (CCH) was held on October 17, 2003. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by deciding that the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury on or about _____________; that the respondent (carrier) is relieved from liability under Section 409.002 because of the claimant’s failure to timely notify his employer pursuant to Section 409.001; and that the claimant did not have disability. The claimant appealed, arguing that the determinations are not supported by sufficient evidence. The carrier responded, urging affirmance.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The claimant had the burden to prove that he sustained a compensable injury, that he had disability as defined by Section 401.011(16), and that he gave timely notice of injury to his employer pursuant to Section 409.001. Conflicting evidence was presented on the disputed issues at the CCH. 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. Although there is conflicting evidence in this case, we conclude that the hearing officer’s determinations that the claimant did not sustain a compensable injury on _____________; that he failed to timely notify his employer pursuant to Section 409.001; and that he did not have disability are supported by sufficient evidence and are 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).

We affirm the decision and order of the hearing officer.

The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is LUMBERMEN’S UNDERWRITING ALLIANCE and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

DEBRA S. MATHEWS-BUDET

12200 FORD ROAD, SUITE 344

DALLAS, TEXAS 75234.

Margaret L. Turner

CONCUR:

Elaine M. Chaney – Appeals Judge

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge