ARMANDO OROZCO (ARMANDO OROZCO JUAREZ) vs. PACIFIC VINEYARD COMPANY, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case involves a defendant employer's petition for reconsideration of a finding that the applicant sustained an injury arising out of and in the course of employment (AOE/COE). The employer contended the AOE/COE finding lacked substantial evidence, particularly questioning the applicant's account of falling off a tractor and being run over. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the petition, adopting the WCJ's report which found the applicant's testimony persuasive, supported by employer witnesses attesting to his trustworthiness, and contradicted by unreliable defense expert testimony. The WCJ also noted a prior employer letter disputing the nature of the injury, not its occurrence, and the fact the applicant showed scarring.