Opinion ID: 2637606
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: analysis of testimony

Text: ¶ 14 We find that the foregoing testimony does show that there existed an employer-employee relationship. Although Macsuga denied any type of employer relationship at trial, it is apparent that Moreno did in fact work for him at least part-time. From Macsuga's own testimony when asked about Gary Taylor, he admitted that an arrangement existed that required Gary to do some work on his vehicles. Apparently Taylor could also do work for others, but part of his requirements to Macsuga involved upholstery work. ¶ 15 Moreno was also allowed to work for others. He did do roofing work and mowed lawns for Macsuga as well as others. Keeping Macsuga's small taxi fleet working was probably not a full time job in itself, but when Macsuga needed help, he had two workers very handy. He also testified that he occasionally gave Moreno small loans that he never expected to be repaid, as well as paid him to help him with a catering event. From this evidence, we determine that an employment contract existed between Macsuga and Moreno that provided Moreno with free room and partial board in exchange for part-time help around the shop. ¶ 16 At trial, and now on appeal, respondent makes issue of the form filled out at the hospital in conjunction with Moreno's treatment. This form purports to show that Mr. Moreno was not employed and that the injury was neither an accidental injury nor work-related injury, and that this information was garnered from Moreno. Moreno does not remember giving any such information. He testified that he was in too much pain. He testified that Gary might have given the information to the hospital. Macsuga makes much of this hospital admission form. To him, it is the smoking gun that disproves Moreno's claim of employment. We find it to be less persuasive. ¶ 17 This form was not filled out by Moreno and, in fact, it was a typed document. Moreno testified that he was immediately taken to an examination room upon his arrival in at the hospital. It is possible that Gary Taylor did supply some of the information to the nurse. Macsuga did not produce any witnesses from the emergency room to testify on how the forms were completed normally, completed on this occasion, or to explain the form. Additionally, the report of the treating doctor shows that Moreno told her he hurt his eye working on a tire. ¶ 18 Additionally, we find Macsuga's argument that he lets people live in the house for free to be disingenuous. As with his other tenant, Gary Taylor, he was receiving a benefit by allowing Mr. Taylor to live in his house. Taylor was an upholsterer, and he did upholstery work on Macsuga's cars. Macsuga also testified that Gary answered the phone for him at times. From the record, it appears that Macsuga runs his taxi cab leasing company by hiring his workers for room and partial board. He received the work of two employees and only paid them room and partial board. Even if he didn't use their labor on a full time basis, allowing them to do other occasional jobs, he had them on premises at any time to work.