Opinion ID: 1153970
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: sufficiency of the evidence

Text: In reviewing the sufficiency of the evidence to support the findings of the trial court, we accept the evidence of the prevailing party as true, leaving out of consideration the evidence presented in conflict therewith, and give every favorable inference to the evidence of the prevailing party. Matter of Injury to Abas, Wyo., 701 P.2d 1153 (1985) (No. 84-253, decided 7/3/85). It is incumbent upon the employee to prove each element of his claim by a preponderance of the evidence. Collins v. Goeman General Tire, Wyo., 682 P.2d 332 (1984); Consolidated Freightways v. Drake, Wyo., 678 P.2d 874 (1984). To determine a question concerning the sufficiency of evidence, we need to search the record to ascertain if substantial evidence supports the trial court's conclusions and judgments. Collins v. Goeman General Tire, supra; Plummer v. Gladstone Hotel, 78 Wyo. 427, 328 P.2d 1118 (1958). Section 27-12-606, W.S. 1977, provides    for additional benefits of any type or nature or for a modification of the amount of the award on the ground of increase or decrease of incapacity due solely to the injury, or upon grounds of mistake or fraud. (Emphasis added.) It was within the trial court's province to disregard Dr. Metz's testimony concerning causation when it was in conflict with the version of the accident related immediately after the event. Appellant contends, however, that, according to the deposition, an incident of far less magnitude could have caused the medical condition of the employee. The doctor testified that the diagnosed condition could have occurred by simply reaching for something on a shelf    some minor movement might be enough to fully precipitate the injury. Appellant testified to various other occurrences which were of a lesser magnitude and could have created his problem. He testified that several years prior to the incident he had torn or pulled a muscle in his neck while picking up a small engine, and that he had fallen subsequent to the injury for which claim is here made. Appellant testified that he had not suffered any other accidents resulting in injury during the two years following his work-related accident and preceding his application to reopen his case. Upon all of this evidence, the court could not find a causal connection between the accident and his present condition. This must be shown before the employee is entitled to additional worker's compensation benefits. See, Consolidated Freightways v. Drake, supra; Matter of Willey, Wyo., 571 P.2d 248 (1977). There was substantial evidence to support the finding that appellant's present condition was not caused by his injury for which compensation had been paid. There was no mistake or fraud. The decision of the lower court is, therefore, affirmed.