Title: 

APD 040744

Significant Decision

Date: 

May 24, 2004

Issues: 

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

Table of Contents

APD 040744

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 February 23, 2004. The hearing officer determined that the respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury on ____________; that he gave timely notice of the injury to his employer; and that the claimant had disability from ____________, through the date of the hearing. The appellant (carrier) appeals these determinations. The claimant urges affirmance of the hearing officer’s decision.

DECISION

Affirmed.

The disputed issues in this case involved factual questions 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)). 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 the hearing officer’s decision is 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 ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

LEO F. MALO

ZURICH NORTH AMERICA

12222 MERIT DRIVE, SUITE 700

DALLAS, TEXAS 75251.

Chris Cowan

CONCUR:

Gary L. Kilgore – Appeals Judge

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge