Title: 

APD 040101

Significant Decision

Date: 

February 27, 2004

Issues: 

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

Table of Contents

APD 040101

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 December 11, 2003. The hearing officer determined that: (1) the appellant (claimant) did not sustain a compensable injury with a date of injury of ______________; (2) the claimant did not have disability; and (3) the respondent (carrier) is not relieved from liability under Section 409.002, because the claimant timely notified her employer of the alleged injury pursuant to Section 409.001. The claimant appeals the injury and disability determinations on sufficiency of the evidence grounds. The carrier did not file a response. The hearing officer’s timely notice determination was not appealed and has become final pursuant to Section 410.169.

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).

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.

Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge

CONCUR:

Chris Cowan – Appeals Judge

Thomas Knapp – Appeals Judge