Frank Karban v. Universal Fiber Systems, LLC and ( 2010 )

COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA
Present: Judges Elder, Petty and Alston
Argued at Salem, Virginia
FRANK KARBAN
MEMORANDUM OPINION * BY
v. Record No. 2094-09-3 JUDGE ROSSIE D. ALSTON, JR.
JULY 13, 2010
UNIVERSAL FIBER SYSTEMS, LLC AND
PENNSYLVANIA MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
INSURANCE COMPANY
FROM THE VIRGINIA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION
Bryan G. Bosta (Monica Taylor Monday; Gentry Locke
Rakes & Moore, on brief), for appellant.
Angela F. Gibbs (Sean M. O’Connor; Midkiff, Muncie &
Ross, P.C., on brief), for appellees.
Frank Karban (“claimant”) appeals a decision of the Workers’ Compensation
Commission (“commission”) denying claimant an award of benefits from Universal Fiber
Systems, LLC and Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association Insurance Company (collectively,
“employer”). Claimant argues the commission erred in finding claimant failed to prove a
compensable injury and failed to provide adequate notice of the injury to employer. For the
reasons that follow, we hold the commission did not err and affirm the commission’s decision.
*
Pursuant to Code § 17.1-413, this opinion is not designated for publication.
I. BACKGROUND 1
On appeal of a decision of the commission, we construe the evidence in the light most
favorable to the party prevailing below. Lynchburg Foundry Co. v. Goad, 15 Va. App. 710, 712,
427 S.E.2d 215, 217 (1993) (citing Crisp v. Brown’s Tysons Corner Dodge, Inc., 1 Va. App.
503, 504, 339 S.E.2d 916, 916 (1986)). In the instant case, we construe the evidence in the light
most favorable to employer, as it was the prevailing party below.
So viewed, the evidence showed that in 2007, claimant worked as an “extrusion operator”
for employer, a yarn-manufacturing company. Claimant alleged that on February 24, 2007,
while moving equipment, he bent down, made a twisting motion, and “felt a pop” in the right
side of his lower back. According to claimant, he felt pain but, at the time, he did not report the
injury to anyone and continued to work. In March 2007, claimant alleged he told his supervisor,
Jeremiah Jenkins, about his back injury. 2 According to claimant, Jenkins asked whether
claimant could play on employer’s softball team; claimant responded that he could not play on
the team due to a back injury.
On September 14, 2007, nearly seven months after the alleged injury, claimant reported
the injury to Dewey Fulton, an environmental health and safety representative for employer.
Claimant told Fulton that he waited to fill out an injury report because he had never had a work
accident and he was not certain how to “properly record” his accident. Fulton prepared an
accident report; however, the report did not indicate that claimant reported the injury to Jenkins
in March 2007.
1
As the parties are fully conversant with the record and because this memorandum
opinion carries no precedential value, this opinion recites only those facts and incidents of the
proceedings as are necessary to the parties’ understanding of this appeal.
2
In the record and the parties’ argument on brief, claimant’s supervisor is referred to as
both Jeremiah Jenkins and Earl Lester Jenkins, Jr. From the record, it appears this is the same
person.
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In the interim, on July 6, 2007, claimant saw Dr. Jeffrey Ginther, claimant’s general
practitioner, for back and leg pain. An MRI of claimant’s lumbar spine revealed abnormalities,
which, according to Dr. Ginther, “could relate to his pain.” Dr. Ginther recommended that
claimant see a neurosurgeon or spine specialist. Claimant subsequently received treatment from
Dr. Morgan Lorio at NeuroSpine Solutions, P.C. Both doctors recommended that claimant be
taken out of work.
On June 18, 2008, claimant filed a claim for benefits with the commission, seeking
lifetime medical benefits for injuries resulting from the accident and temporary total disability
beginning June 13, 2008. On July 21, 2008, Dr. Ginther sent a letter to employer. Dr. Ginther
noted the following:
[Claimant] was in our office on July 3[, 2008]. [Claimant]
told us on January 15, 2007[,] that he had hurt his back
approximately one month prior and that he had pain in his right
groin. It wasn’t until July 3 that he made it clear that this was a
work related injury.
Dr. Ginther’s handwritten notes from January 15, 2007, indicate that claimant
complained of “low back pain.” Further, Dr. Ginther’s January 15, 2007 note, although not
entirely legible, contains the words “twist,” “pop,” “low back,” and “pain.”
At a hearing before the deputy commissioner in January 2009, claimant testified that the
injury occurred on February 24, 2007, and that prior to February 2007 he had no problems with
his back. 3 Claimant testified that he continued to work after the injury, although he was “pretty
sure” other employees knew about his injury. Claimant also demonstrated how the injury
occurred. When the deputy commissioner asked claimant why he did not report his injury
immediately, claimant responded that he was “not sure.”
3
Claimant’s testimony regarding prior injuries was given in his deposition taken on
December 4, 2008. Claimant’s deposition testimony was introduced into evidence before the
deputy commissioner.
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Jenkins testified that he had a conversation with claimant about claimant’s ability to play
on employer’s softball team. Jenkins stated that he knew claimant’s back had been “bothering
him,” but he knew “nothing specific as to how he hurt it, or when he hurt it, or where he hurt it.”
Fulton testified that he found claimant’s statement – that he was not sure how to properly
report his injury – unbelievable in light of the extensive training provided by employer.
According to Fulton, employees are told to report injuries immediately to one of two
superintendents working for employer “twenty-four hours a day[,] seven days a week.” Fulton
further testified that employees are trained during new employee orientation and again at various
times throughout the year. Fulton noted that during these trainings, employees are told that any
kind of injury should be reported to the superintendents and an accident report must be
completed. Fulton also read a note from Judy Schuman, employer’s human resources
representative. The note, submitted to Fulton on September 13, 2007, the day before Fulton met
with claimant, indicated that claimant called Schuman on September 13, 2007, and explained to
her that he injured himself but did not know to whom he should report the injury or how to fill
out an accident report. The note also indicated that claimant did not know the exact date of the
injury.
On January 9, 2009, the deputy commissioner awarded claimant temporary total
disability benefits from June 13, 2008, through December 13, 2008, 4 finding claimant suffered a
compensable injury and provided timely notice of the injury to employer. 5 The deputy
4
On December 15, 2008, Dr. Lorio released claimant back to work with lifting
restrictions.
5
Code § 65.2-600 requires that an injured employee give his employer written notice of
an injury by accident within thirty days. Claimant bears the burden of proving his excuse for
failing to give timely notice is reasonable. Lucas v. Research Analysis Corp., 209 Va. 583, 586,
166 S.E.2d 294, 296 (1969); see also Maryland Cas. Co. v. Robinson, 149 Va. 307, 141 S.E. 225(1928). If a reasonable excuse is shown, then the burden shifts to the employer to prove
prejudice as a result of the delay. Id.
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commissioner specifically found claimant credible, noting, “[W]hile he was easily confused and
uncomfortable in the hearing setting, the claimant made appropriate eye contact. His answers
were forthcoming and non-evasive, if unsophisticated.” Employer appealed the deputy
commissioner’s decision to the full commission.
On September 1, 2009, a majority of the commission reversed the deputy commissioner’s
decision, finding claimant failed to prove a compensable injury and failed to provide adequate
notice of the injury to employer. In its opinion, the commission specifically rejected the deputy
commissioner’s credibility finding, noting,
At the hearing, the claimant only provided vague testimony that
the back injury that he apparently suffered before January 15,
2007[,] was not related to his work-related injury that allegedly
occurred on February 24, 2007. Additionally, at his deposition, the
claimant testified that he did not have any prior back injuries. The
claimant further testified at his deposition that he had “no idea”
how to report an accident to the employer; whereas, at the hearing,
the claimant testified that he understood that he needed to
immediately report an accident to a supervisor. The claimant’s
contradictory and vague testimony regarding the circumstances
surrounding his alleged accident severely places doubt on the
credibility of the claimant’s claim of injury by accident at work on
February 24, 2007.
Furthermore, the medical evidence clearly indicates that the
claimant was complaining of a similar injury on January 15, 2007,
more than one month prior to his alleged injury by accident at
work.
* * * * * * *
In addition to discrepancies within the claimant’s testimony
and the medical record, the record shows that the claimant failed to
seek any type of medical treatment until at least [five] months after
the alleged accident.
Considering the evidence, including Dr. Ginther’s July 21, 2008 letter to employer, the
commission concluded that it was more likely that the injury occurred in December 2006; thus,
claimant “was not able to meet his burden of proving that he suffered a compensable injury by
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accident on February 24, 2007.” The commission also found claimant failed to give timely
notice of the injury to employer. Claimant noted his appeal to this Court.
II. ANALYSIS
On appeal, claimant argues the commission erred in reversing the credibility
determination of the deputy commissioner and in finding claimant failed to prove a compensable
injury and failed to provide notice of that injury to employer. Claimant concedes that, should
this Court determine the commission did not err in finding claimant failed to prove a
compensable injury, the Court need not address whether claimant provided adequate notice of
the injury to employer.
“One seeking compensation retains the burden of proving by a preponderance of the
evidence that he sustained a compensable injury.” Williams v. Auto Brokers, 6 Va. App. 570,
571-72, 370 S.E.2d 321, 322 (1988) (citing Hercules, Inc. v. Stump, 2 Va. App. 77, 79, 341
S.E.2d 394, 395 (1986); Winegar v. Int’l Tel. & Tel., 1 Va. App. 260, 261, 337 S.E.2d 760, 760
(1985)). See also Va. Dept. of Transp. v. Mosebrook, 13 Va. App. 536, 537, 413 S.E.2d 350,
351 (1992). “‘Injury’ means only injury by accident arising out of and in the course of
employment.” Code § 65.2-101. “An ‘injury by accident’ requires proof of ‘(1) an identifiable
incident; (2) that occurs at some reasonably definite time; (3) an obvious sudden mechanical or
structural change in the body; and (4) a causal connection between the incident and the bodily
change.’” Ogden Aviation Servs. v. Saghy, 32 Va. App. 89, 94, 526 S.E.2d 756, 758 (2000)
(quoting Chesterfield County v. Dunn, 9 Va. App. 475, 476, 389 S.E.2d 180, 181 (1990)).
“Whether an employee has suffered an ‘injury by accident’ is a mixed question of law
and fact.” Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. v. Harris, 35 Va. App. 162, 167, 543 S.E.2d 619, 621
(2001) (citing R & R Constr. Corp v. Hill, 25 Va. App. 376, 378-79, 488 S.E.2d 663, 664
(1997)). “Findings of fact by the [commission] will be upheld on appeal if supported by credible
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evidence.” Id. at 167-68, 543 S.E.2d at 621 (citing James v. Capitol Steel Constr. Co., 8
Va. App. 512, 515, 382 S.E.2d 487, 488 (1989)). “However, whether those facts prove the
claimant suffered an ‘injury by accident’ is a question of law.” Id. at 168, 543 S.E.2d at 621.
“The commission’s finding on the legal question is not conclusive and binding upon us, but is
properly subject to judicial review.” Id. (citing Hill, 25 Va. App. at 378-79, 488 S.E.2d at 664).
Claimant specifically argues that the commission erred in finding that he failed to prove a
compensable injury because it reversed the credibility determination made by the deputy
commissioner. Although the commission is not bound by the credibility determination of a
deputy commissioner, the commission cannot reject the determination arbitrarily. Goodyear Tire
& Rubber Co. v. Pierce, 5 Va. App. 374, 381-82, 363 S.E.2d 433, 437 (1987) (hereinafter,
“Pierce I”).
If the commission does not follow the deputy commissioner’s
findings when these findings are based on a determination of a key
witness’s demeanor or appearance in relation to credibility, the
commission must offer a rationale for its reversal and demonstrate
on the record how the commission found the evidence [in]credible.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. v. Pierce, 9 Va. App. 120, 122, 384 S.E.2d 333, 334 (1989)
(hereinafter, “Pierce II”) (citing Pierce I, 5 Va. App. at 374, 363 S.E.2d at 433). However, “[t]he
commission can evaluate the testimony of witnesses in light of human experience, ascertain
which testimony is more worthy of belief, and grant to it its appropriate weight.” Id. at 126-27,
384 S.E.2d at 337.
In Pierce I, the claimant alleged that he injured himself while working for his employer.
5 Va. App. at 377, 363 S.E.2d at 435. His employer defended the claim, arguing that the medical
records disputed the claimant’s testimony regarding how the injury occurred. Id. at 377-78, 363
S.E.2d at 435. The deputy commissioner found the claimant was not credible, basing that
decision on his demeanor and his repeated evasive and argumentative answers. Id. at 379-80,
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363 S.E.2d at 436. Accordingly, the deputy commissioner determined that the claimant failed to
prove a compensable injury. Id. at 379, 363 S.E.2d at 436. The commission reversed the deputy
commissioner, noting that it disagreed with the deputy commissioner’s finding that the
claimant’s answers were argumentative and evasive. Id. at 380-81, 363 S.E.2d at 436-37. On
appeal to this Court, the employer argued the commission improperly disregarded the credibility
determination made by the deputy commissioner. Id. at 380, 363 S.E.2d at 436. The Court
agreed, and remanded the case to the commission, noting, when the commission reverses a
decision on the grounds that the deputy commissioner incorrectly assessed a witness’ credibility,
“it should be evident from the record how the commission resolved the credibility issue
consistent with the deputy’s observations.” Id. at 383, 363 S.E.2d at 438.
On remand, the commission issued a new opinion, again reversing the deputy
commissioner, but explaining its decision. See Pierce II, 9 Va. App. at 125, 384 S.E.2d at 336.
The commission found that on the record, the claimant’s testimony was not inherently evasive,
although he may have been confused at times. Id. Further, the commission noted the medical
records corroborated the claimant’s testimony, rather than conflicted with that testimony, as the
deputy commissioner found. Id. On appeal to this Court a second time, the Court upheld the
commission’s decision, reversing the deputy commissioner, noting the commission “articulated a
basis for its conclusion and . . . it is supported by credible evidence in the record.” Id. at 127,
384 S.E.2d at 337.
This Court has made clear that its “holding in Pierce [I] only applies when the full
commission has failed to offer any reason for its different interpretation of a witness’
credibility.” Williams, 6 Va. App. at 573, 370 S.E.2d at 323. “Generally, the full commission
remains free to make different findings of fact than those made by the deputy commissioner.”
Id.
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[A] deputy commissioner cannot render his findings of fact
unreviewable simply by asserting that his conclusion at to the
witness’ credibility is based on the witness’ appearance and
demeanor. While the law has always accorded deference to the
credibility determination of the person actually observing the
witness, personal observation does not constitute the only means of
evaluating credibility. Most witnesses appear credible based upon
their demeanor and appearance. Human experience teaches that
few of us, if any, can routinely determine whether a person is
telling the truth by scrutinizing the person’s behavior, appearance
or demeanor. Such characteristics represent merely an indication
of credibility and are by no means the dispositive factors.
Id. at 574, 370 S.E.2d at 323-24 (citing Gray v. Commonwealth, 233 Va. 313, 344, 356 S.E.2d
157, 174 (1987); Hines v. Commonwealth, 136 Va. 728, 751, 117 S.E. 843, 849-50 (1923)).
“The full commission can compare the testimony of the witnesses in light of human experience
and other facts proven in the case in order to ascertain which testimony is more worthy of
belief.” Id. at 574, 370 S.E.2d at 324. With these principles in mind, we turn to the instant case.
Here, the parties agree that the commission made specific credibility findings in reaching
its decision. The commission clearly noted, that it was “unable to adopt the [d]eputy
[c]ommissioner’s credibility finding on [r]eview.” However, in making its determination, the
commission referenced several discrepancies in claimant’s testimony. The commission noted
that claimant was unable to explain the medical records indicating that he suffered an injury prior
to January 15, 2007. In fact, claimant testified that he did not have any back injuries prior to
February 24, 2007. The commission’s opinion states,
[T]he medical evidence clearly indicates that the claimant was
complaining of a similar injury on January 15, 2007, more than
one month prior to his alleged injury by accident at work.
Although the handwritten notes are barely legible, the Commission
can decipher that the note indicates that the claimant twisted and
felt a pop in his right lower back when he was lifting
approximately one month previously. Dr. Ginther’s July 21, 2008
letter further indicates that the claimant reported on January 15,
2007[,] that he had hurt his back and right groin one month
previously. Dr. Ginther noted that the claimant did not indicate
that his injury was work-related until July 3, 2008. If we consider
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the above evidence, it appears that the claimant’s injury took place
in December of 2006. In any event, there is absolutely no mention
of a February 24, 2007 work-related injury within Dr. Ginther’s
records.
* * * * * * *
In addition to discrepancies within the claimant’s testimony
and the medical record, the record shows that the claimant failed to
seek any type of medical treatment until at least [five] months after
the alleged accident.
* * * * * * *
Moreover, there is contradicting testimony regarding when
the claimant put his employer on notice about his alleged accident.
The commission offered a number of reasons for its determination, and those reasons are
supported by evidence in the record. Dr. Ginther’s records clearly indicate that claimant
complained of an injury in January 2007, which claimant alleged to have suffered on February
24, 2007. Further, the medical records are devoid of any reference to a February 2007 injury.
The commission offered a rationale for its reversal and demonstrated on the record how
claimant’s evidence was incredible. See Pierce II, 9 Va. App. at 122, 384 S.E.2d at 334 (citing
Pierce I, 5 Va. App. at 374, 363 S.E.2d at 433). As required by Pierce II, the commission
“articulated a basis for its conclusion and . . . it is supported by credible evidence in the record.”
Id. at 127, 384 S.E.2d at 337. Accordingly, the commission did not err in reversing the
credibility determination made by the deputy commissioner and finding that in light of such
determination, claimant failed to sustain his burden of proving he suffered a compensable injury
by accident on February 24, 2007.
III. CONCLUSION
For these reasons, we hold the commission did not err in rejecting the credibility
determination made by the deputy commissioner and finding claimant failed to prove a
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compensable injury by accident. Accordingly, we need not address the issue of whether timely
notice of the injury was provided to employer, and we affirm the commission’s decision.
Affirmed.
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