Court Opinion

ID: 5256175
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-06 18:28:32.678743+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:28:01.022400
License: Public Domain

John M. Kellogg, P. J. (dissenting):
There was evidence tending to establish that the death was the result of the accident; that the employer had knowledge of the injury and due notice of death, and we are precluded from questioning those findings of fact. By section 18 of the Workmen’s Compensation Law compensation cannot be awarded unless notice is given by the injured employee within thirty days after the accident, and death benefits cannot be allowed unless the widow, or party claiming them, gives notice within thirty days after the death. The accidental injury is the basis for compensation. Such injury, and resulting death, are the basis for death benefits. They are separate and different rights, with separate and different remedies. The wife cannot give notice as a basis for death benefits during her husband’s lifetime. Neither of them can, by action or inaction, destroy the rights and remedies of the other. I favor an affirmance.
Award reversed and matter remitted to the Commission.