Case Summary (G.R. No. L-19863)
Background of Employment
Luz Aguirre commenced her employment with the National Development Company on February 18, 1946, as an apprentice in the Weaving Textile Mills, and experienced several promotions over the years, ultimately being appointed as a Regular Weaver until her separation from the company on June 30, 1953, due to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Her duties included operating looms, managing broken threads, and lifting heavy rolls of cloth. During her work, she reported symptoms consistent with PTB, which eventually led to her filing a claim for compensation in June 1960, asserting that her condition resulted from her employment.
Findings of the Workmen's Compensation Commission
The Workmen's Compensation Commission, after reviewing Aguirre's case, determined that her illness was compensable as it was attributable to her employment workload, which included night shifts and physically taxing tasks. The Commission upheld an award that included compensation benefits, medical expenses, and attorney's fees amounting to P3,594.24, P900.00, and an additional P269.57 for attorney’s fees, respectively.
Jurisdiction and Renunciation of Rights
The National Development Company contested the decision, claiming that they did not receive a required notice regarding Aguirre’s medical condition as prescribed by Section 45 of the Workmen's Compensation Law. The Commission ruled that the employer's neglect to timely report Aguirre’s disability effectively constituted a renunciation of their right to challenge the claim. This provision mandates employers to file a notice within specific timelines to preserve their rights to contest a compensation claim; failure to do so results in a forfeiture of defenses.
Attorney's Fees Award
The petitioner asserted a lack of jurisdiction on the part of the Workmen's Compensation Commission in awarding attorney's fees, positing that such fees should not be the responsibility of the employer. The Commission's authority to award attorney's fees was found to be supported by both the Workmen's Compensation Law and provisions of the Civil Code, ensuring that the financial burden on the worker is minimized. The Commission's assertion that attorney's fees paid by the employer should not diminish the worker's compensation was upheld, affirming the validity of the award for Aguirre.
Admissibility o
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-19863)
Case Background
- The case involves the National Development Company (petitioner), a government-owned and controlled corporation, contesting a decision made by the Workmen's Compensation Commission (respondents) in WC Case No. 985.
- The respondent, Luz Aguirre, was awarded compensation for her illness, pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), which she claimed was attributable to her employment with the petitioner.
Employment History of Luz Aguirre
- Aguirre commenced her employment on February 18, 1946, as an apprentice in the Weaving Textile Mills of the National Development Company.
- She received promotions over the years:
- Battery Hand on April 9, 1946
- Spare Weaver on March 26, 1947
- Regular Weaver on March 5, 1951
- Her duties involved operating looms, connecting broken threads, rolling finished cloths, and lifting heavy rolls of cloth (approximately 40 kilos).
- Aguirre worked in various shifts, including night shifts, which contributed to her overall fatigue.
Medical Condition and Claim for Compensation
- In late April 1953, while lifting a roll of cloth, Aguirre experienced chest pains and subsequently spat blood.
- Previous clinical records indicated symptoms of PTB, including chest and back pains, coughs, and weight loss, dating as early as June 1950.
- Aguirre was treated by Dr. Lorenzo Yuson, who confirmed that her PTB was in a moderately advanced stage, leading to significant medical expenses, amounting to P900.00.