Martinez v. Industrial Commission
Martinez v. Industrial Commission
Opinion of the Court
This is a review of the Industrial Commission’s affirmation of the decision of an appeal referee which denied unemployment compensation for a fifty-two week period and assessed an overpayment of $1,414.00. The decision was based upon a finding that plaintiff had knowingly withheld material facts regarding his ability and availability for work in order to receive benefits to which he was not entitled.
Plaintiff suffered on-the-job injuries to his back and neck over a two year period prior to his being layed off in January, 1976, however, they were not medically diagnosed. He was again examined by a neurosurgeon in February, 1976, and was hospitalized March 1-6, 1976, and again April 19-21, 1976, for extensive testing which resulted in the diagnosis of a disrupted disc.
Plaintiff acknowledges receipt of a letter dated May 18, 1976, certifying him as unable to work and as eligible for workmen’s compensation. Thereafter, plaintiff was hospitalized for the third time May 25 through June 3, 1976, when spinal surgery was performed, and shortly thereafter he
Plaintiff filed claims for unemployment benefits certifying his availability for work during all three of his periods of hospitalization which prompted the Commission’s finding of fraud. Plaintiff assails the finding as arbitrary and capricious and unsupported by the evidence.
The basic issue for our determination is whether the evidence is sufficient to support a finding that plaintiff knew he was not able to work or available to work by reason of his hospitalization.
The standard of appellate review in these cases is established by statute
. It is our duty to examine the record and to affirm the decision unless we can say as a matter of law that the conclusion on the question of “available for work” was wrong because only the opposite conclusion could be drawn from the facts. .
Plaintiff was required to file a weekly claim form which contained the following certification:
a. I was able, available and willing to accept full-time work. .
* * * * * *
d. My statements are correct. I know the law provides for penalties for false statements.
The claim forms filed by plaintiff also contained his certification of “no” to the following statement: “I am receiving or have applied for retirement or disability pay.”
In regard to plaintiff’s hospitalization for surgery, there can be no doubt but that such rendered him not only unavailable for work but unable to work as well, yet plaintiff certified absolutely to the contrary. It is significant also that long prior to such certification he had been advised of the finding of the neurosurgeon that he was unable to work and was eligible for workmen’s compensation. He withheld this information and in fact certified to the contrary on his weekly claim for unemployment benefits.
In regard to plaintiff’s first two periods of hospitalization, there may conceivably have been some uncertainty at the time of admission as to the length of time he would be unavailable for work. However, when his hospitalization extended to six and three days, respectively, all uncertainty disappeared and he was clearly unavailable for work yet he again certified to the contrary.
Plaintiff’s contention that the evidence fails to support a finding of fraud is without merit. He had a duty to make a complete and full disclosure concerning his ability and availability for work. The intention to defraud is inherent in the claims themselves which contain false statements and fail to set forth material information required by statute.
The decision is affirmed. No costs awarded.
. U.C.A.1953, 35-4-10(i).
. 18 Utah 2d 245, 420 P.2d 44 (1966).
. U.C.A.1953, 35 — 4-5(e).
.Mineer v. Board of Review of the Industrial Commission of Utah, Utah, 572 P.2d 1364 (1977).
Dissenting Opinion
(dissenting):
My concurrence in the dissenting opinion to Diprizio v. Industrial Comm., Utah, 572 P.2d 679, 681 (1977) will serve as my dissent here.
Concurring Opinion
(concurring but with comment):
If the disqualification for 52 weeks is imposed simply because it is so authorized by the statute, and not because the facts justify that maximum penalty, that is a
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Eli J. MARTINEZ, Plaintiff, v. INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION of Utah, Defendant
- Cited By
- 5 cases
- Status
- Published