Case Summary (G.R. No. L-12726)
Relevant Facts
Gerardo Estiva was employed until November 24, 1954, earning a daily wage of P7.04. On November 24, 1954, he died from cerebral hemorrhage at the hospital, but the claim for death benefits under the Workmen's Compensation Act was initially dismissed by Referee Ricardo S. Inton on June 1, 1956. The controversy primarily centers on whether Estiva sustained a traumatic injury leading to his condition while performing his duties.
Evidence Presented by the Claimant
The claimant argued that Estiva bumped his head while on the bus on November 23, 1954, which led to the hemorrhage. Supporting this claim, Dr. Villarasa testified that he observed a slight swelling on Estiva's head after he was brought to his clinic. Other witnesses testified to Estiva's complaints of severe headache and observed signs of distress while on the bus. However, cross-examination raised doubts about the veracity of these accounts regarding the injury.
Evidence Presented by the Respondent
The bus company countered the assertions by presenting evidence suggesting that there was no accident causing Estiva’s injury. Dr. Serafin Pangat examined Estiva at the hospital and noted the absence of any traumatic evidence that could have resulted from an external injury. He attributed the hemorrhage to hypertension, citing that any minor trauma would have been detectable shortly after the alleged incident, which he found not to be the case.
Workmen's Compensation Commission's Decision
The WCC ultimately reversed the referee's initial decision, concluding that there was enough evidence to support the claim of injury while performing work duties. The WCC opined that the evidence presented by the claimant outweighed the respondent's assertions, especially highlighting Dr. Villarasa's observations and the possibility that the delay in treatment may have influenced subsequent examinations.
Legal Findings and Applicable Law
The case referenced the provisions of Act No. 3428 regarding workers’ compensation. Section 46 states that the decisions of the WCC are appealable, and according to Section 2 of Rule 44, only questions of law may be raised on appeal, indicating a robust deference to findings of fact made by the WCC. The Supreme Court noted that the preponderance of evidence and th
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-12726)
Case Overview
- This case involves an appeal by the Laguna Tayabas Bus Company against a decision made by the Workmen's Compensation Commission, which ordered the company to pay compensation to Visitacion Consunto for the death of her husband, Gerardo Estiva.
- The decision under review was dated June 26, 1957, and the petition was filed under provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act and related laws.
Background of the Case
- Gerardo Estiva was employed as a section inspector at the Laguna Tayabas Bus Company, earning a daily wage of P7.04, translating to an average weekly wage of P49.28.
- Estiva died on November 24, 1954, from a cerebral hemorrhage at the Laguna Provincial Hospital.
- The circumstances surrounding his death became the core of the legal dispute, particularly whether his employment conditions contributed to the cerebral hemorrhage.
Evidence Presented
The claimant's argument was supported by testimonies indicating that Estiva sustained a head injury while working.
- Dr. Villarasa, the Municipal Health Officer, testified that he treated Estiva shortly after the alleged incident and noted a slight swelling on Estiva's head.
- Mrs. Aurora Villarta, a passenger on the bus, recalled Estiva complaining of a severe headache and resting his head on her lap during the ride.
- Emilio Adriano, the bus driver, stated that he heard Estiva complain about his headache whi