Opinion ID: 880380
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: limitation of benefits as commencing on december 18, 1986:

Text: The employer's knowledge of the employee's need for medical services at home resulting from the industrial injury is one factor which must be met when considering eligibility for domiciliary care. Larson v. Squire Shops, Inc. (Mont.1987), 742 P.2d 1003, 1008, 44 St.Rep. 1612, 1619. The Workers' Compensation Court determined that December 18, 1986, was the date the employer first knew of the need or demand for domiciliary care. On that date, the Workers' Compensation Court found that a pretrial conference was held in which the claimant first requested domiciliary care. The court further found that the medical reports prior to that date did not recommend home health care for the claimant. Claimant argues that the employer had constructive knowledge of his need for home health care based on medical reports demonstrating the severity of head injury and the effects upon claimant, such as a memory loss, headaches, depression and anxiety. Claimant contends that this constructive knowledge dates back to December 6, 1983, when he was released from the hospital, and that Mrs. Hilbig should be reimbursed for 24 hour per day health care from that date. The conclusion of the Workers' Compensation Court will not be disturbed if there is substantial evidence in the record to support its findings. Giacoletto v. Silver Bow Pizza Parlor (Mont.1988), 751 P.2d 1059, 1061-62, 45 St.Rep. 536, 537. We conclude that the record supports the lower court's findings and conclusions that there was no knowledge on the part of the employer until December 18, 1986, when domiciliary care was first requested by the claimant. We affirm the Workers' Compensation Court as to the commencement date of domiciliary care.