Case Name: In the Matter of the Claim of Edward Blotko, Appellant, v. Solomon Oliver Mechanical Contracting et al., Respondents. Workers' Compensation Board, Respondent
Court: New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division
Jurisdiction: New York
Decision Date: 2012-01-05
Citations: 91 A.D.3d 990
Docket Number: 
Parties: In the Matter of the Claim of Edward Blotko, Appellant, v Solomon Oliver Mechanical Contracting et al., Respondents. Workers’ Compensation Board, Respondent.
Judges: 
Reporter: Appellate Division Reports
Volume: 91
Pages: 990–991

Head Matter:
In the Matter of the Claim of Edward Blotko, Appellant, v Solomon Oliver Mechanical Contracting et al., Respondents. Workers’ Compensation Board, Respondent.
[935 NYS2d 910]

Opinion:
Mercure, A.P.J.
We affirm. "The existence of an employer-employee relationship in a particular case is a factual issue for the Board to resolve and its finding must be upheld if it is supported by substantial evidence" (Matter of Mendoza v Dolgetta, 81 AD3d 1043, 1044 [2011] [internal quotation marks and citation omitted]; see Matter of Duma v Baca, 83 AD3d 1228, 1228 [2011]). Here, there is substantial evidence supporting the Board's conclusion that Oliver did not hire claimant to perform demolition work at the time of the accident. The opposing testimony from claimant and his witnesses created a credibility issue for the Board to resolve (see Matter of Mendoza v Dolgetta, 81 AD3d at 1044). Thus, despite proof in the record that would support a contrary conclusion (see Matter of Lai Pock Lew v Younger, 69 AD3d 1161, 1162 [2010]), we find no basis to disturb the Board's decision that claimant was not SOMC's employee.
Peters, Rose, Lahtinen and Garry, JJ., concur. Ordered that the decision is affirmed, without costs.