Title: 

APD 041257

Significant Decision

Date: 

July 19, 2004

Issues: 

Disabilty/Existence-Duration, Existence of Compensable Inj

Table of Contents

APD 041257

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 May 11, 2004. The hearing officer resolved the disputed issues by determining that the respondent (claimant) sustained a compensable injury on _______________, and had disability from October 26 through November 2, 2003. The appellant (carrier) appeals these determinations. The appeal file contains no response from the claimant.

DECISION

Affirmed.

Whether the claimant sustained a compensable injury and had disability were 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 it is for the hearing officer to resolve such conflicts and inconsistencies in the evidence as were present in this case (Garza v. Commercial Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, 508 S.W.2d 701 (Tex. Civ. App.-Amarillo 1974, 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 ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is

LEO MALO

12222 MERIT DRIVE, SUITE 700

DALLAS, TEXAS 75257-2237.

Chris Cowan

CONCUR:

Margaret L. Turner – Appeals Judge

Edward Vilano – Appeals Judge