Case ID: or-app_40/html/0417-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "\n      LEE, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Argued March 2,
    affirmed May 29, 1979
    In the Matter of the Compensation of the Beneficiaries of ROSSI, Petitioners, v. ZIDELL EXPLORATIONS, INC., Respondent.
    
    (No. 77-498, CA 11808)
    595 P2d 512
    Robert K. Uidziela, Portland, argued the cause for petitioners. With him on the brief were Pozzi, Wilson, Atchison, Kahn & O’Leary, Portland.
    Ridgway K. Foley, Jr., Portland, argued the cause for respondent. With him on the brief were Roger A. Luedtke, Jan K. Kitchel, and Souther, Spaudling, Kinsey, Williamson & Schwabe, Portland.
    
      Before Schwab, Chief Judge, and Thornton, Lee, and Gillette, Judges.
    LEE, J.
   LEE, J.

In this Workers’ Compensation case claimants’ decedent sustained a compensable back injury on August 21, 1975, underwent a laminectomy December 3, 1975, and died of unrelated lung cancer on July 19, 1976. On September 16, 1976, a determination order was issued which granted temporary total disability from September 2, 1975, through July 19, 1976, without any award for permanent partial disability. The only issue is whether the worker’s beneficiaries are entitled to an award pursuant to ORS 656.218(2).

The worker’s treating physician stated that:

"* * * What percentage of the partial and perhaps permanent disability [deceased] might have exhibited had he not been totally disabled by his cancer is a matter of speculation * *

There is no other medical evidence to show what, if any, residuals or physical impairment the deceased would have had from his injury and surgery. Claimants have failed to carry their burden of proof.

Affirmed. 
      
       ORS 656.218(2) provides:
      "If the worker’s death occurs prior to a determination having been made under ORS 656.268, the State Accident Insurance Fund or direct responsibility employer shall so notify the director and request the claim be examined and compensation for permanent partial disability, if any, be determined.”