Court Opinion

ID: 3500419
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-05 22:07:29.871869+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:05:19.016283
License: Public Domain

Freeley Richards suffered a compensable injury while employed by the Rogers Boiler  Burner Company. He was paid a total of $111, at $18 a week, and then signed a settlement receipt and went back to work. Later he made application for additional compensation because of continued disability. This application was denied by the deputy commissioner, but he was awarded compensation by the commission at the rate of $9 a week. The Rogers Boiler  Burner Company and the State Accident Fund bring certiorari.
It seems to be conceded plaintiff at the time of his injury was getting $27 a week. There was proof that at the time of the hearing on the application for additional compensation plaintiff was but 50 percent. *Page 157 
efficient. If his earnings were decreased 50 per cent., they were decreased $13.50, and 66-2/3 per cent. of $13.50 is $9. This was the amount of the award per week. It is supported by the evidence.
The important question is said to be the force and effect of the final receipt on settlement. In disposing of this question the commission said:
"On the 5th of June, 1928, the State Accident Fund entered into an agreement to pay plaintiff compensation at the rate of $18 per week during the period of total disability, etc., and on July 11, 1928, the insurer filed with the department a settlement receipt. In this receipt plaintiff acknowledges a payment of compensation from the 12th day of May to the 23d of June, 1928, making the total sum of compensation paid him, $111. This receipt is on the usual form and states: 'In settlement of compensation due under the Michigan workmen's compensation law, on account of injuries suffered by myself on or about the 11th day of May, 1928, while injured employee of Rogers Boiler  Burner.'
"Defendants admit that plaintiff sustained an accidental injury and that they entered into an agreement to pay him compensation during the period of disability. However, defendants contend that before plaintiff is entitled to further compensation he must show that his condition has changed for the worse. We cannot agree with this contention. A final settlement receipt does not occupy the same status as an award unless it is filed and approved by the commission. This receipt was filed but it was not approved. It lacks the second essential. The settlement receipt in this case has the same status as any ordinary receipt. Evidence is admissible to show that the circumstances stated therein, and the amount, do not constitute payment in full for the injury. In other words, if the receipt *Page 158 
does not correspond to the facts in the case, or if plaintiff is still incapacitated due to the original injury, then compensation must be paid in accordance with his disability. However, he has the burden of proof in showing that the receipt is not in accordance with the facts.
"This question is discussed by Mr. Justice OSTRANDER in the case of Kirchner v. Michigan Sugar Co., 206 Mich. 459. We quote from page 465 of the opinion:
" 'But if the agreement of the parties, though made by mistake, is conclusive, compensation must still be paid at the agreed rate. We think it is not conclusive. The purpose of the compensation law is compensation at rates which the law itself, directly or indirectly, but certainly, fixes. Claimant is entitled to receive, and his employer is obligated to pay, no more and no less than the statute compensation.'
"Even if this settlement receipt had been approved by the commission, it would not defeat plaintiff's claim for further compensation if the agreement were not in accordance with the facts.
"Section 5 of part 3 of the act, the same being section 5458 of the 1915 compilation of the laws of the State of Michigan, gives the industrial accident board (now commission) authority to approve agreements. This section provided: 'A memorandum of such agreement shall be filed with the industrial accident board, and, if approved by it, shall be deemed final and binding upon the parties thereto.' However, this section contains the further proviso: 'Such agreement shall be approved by said board only when the terms conform to the provisions of this act.'
"In view of the above, the commission are of the opinion that if the final settlement receipt is not in accordance with the facts, the injured employee would be entitled to receive further compensation."
We agree with them. The award of the commission should be affirmed.
  FEAD, J., concurred with POTTER, J. *Page 159