Opinion ID: 878870
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Whether the Out-of-Pocket Expenses of Edith Ebert In the Sum of $6,497.53 are a Necessary Medical Expense.

Text: After the accident, Edith Ebert, claimant's mother, traveled to Billings, and remained at the bedside of her daughter for about 3½ months. She helped feed, bathe and generally assist claimant Carlson while she was in the hospital. Dr. Wood, who cared for the claimant during this period testified at the hearing that Mrs. Ebert's presence and the services she performed benefited the claimant intellectually and shortened her stay in the hospital. When Mrs. Ebert took the claimant home and cared for her there, the expense of a nursing home was eliminated. During her stay in Billings, Mrs. Ebert incurred various expenses for food, lodging and transportation which totaled $6,497.53. Claimant Carlson seeks to recoup these out-of-pocket monies as medical expenses. The Workers' Compensation Court denied the request. The Workers' Compensation judge, finding that the actions of the mother were praiseworthy and indicative of her concern for the daughter, nevertheless denied the claim for out-of-pocket expenses on the ground that no medical need for the services performed had been demonstrated by the claimant. It found that while the expert testimony established that the mother's actions may have been beneficial, there was no need for physical therapy beyond that rendered by the hospital staff. Therefore, reimbursement for the mother's travel and per diem costs while the claimant was hospitalized was denied. Here, the Workers' Compensation Court has decided an issue of fact, determining that medical need was not established by the evidence. Substantial support for the verdict exists and we may not set aside the findings of the Workers' Compensation Court unless it is clearly erroneous. Rule 52(a), M.R. Civ.P.