Court Opinion

ID: 5759542
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-12 17:12:09.007922+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:41:30.690159
License: Public Domain

Herlihy, J.
J. Appeal by the employer and insurance carrier from a decision and award by the Workmen’s Compensation Board for the claimant. The board has found that claimant resided on the premises for the convenience of the employer “ both as a means of payment for services, as well as being a ready substitute at all times ”, This accident occurred when the claimant who worked for the employer and resided on his premises slipped and fell at the top of a stairway on the premises and suffered injuries. The accident occurred after the place had been closed for business and after claimant had gone to her room for. the evening, and while she was on her way to the bathroom. It appears that at a time when claimant had been in the hospital her husband moved into the employer’s premises. Sometime thereafter, the employer asked her to work for him as a waitress, but for no wages. Her sole income was the tips which she received, plus her room on the premises. The employer testified that there was a time when he could not pay wages to claimant’s husband and they agreed to stay for their room. The record supports the finding that the claimant received her lodging as payment for her services. This appeal falls within the scope of Matter of Galvez v. Gold Coast Enterprises, (23 A D 2d 600, 601) where it was held that where a claimant receives lodging as compensation for working, any injury resulting from normal activities on the premises is compensable. Decision affirmed, with costs to the Workmen's Compensation Board. Gibson, P. J., Reynolds, Taylor and Staley, Jr., JJ., concur.