CompFox AI Summary
This case involved a claim for workers' compensation death benefits for Bart Rickman, who died from a drug overdose. The Appeals Board denied reconsideration of the WCJ's finding that Rickman's death did not arise out of or occur in the course of his employment. While Rickman sustained admitted industrial injuries, the evidence, particularly Dr. Allems's opinion, strongly indicated his death was from a recreational heroin overdose, not from prescribed medications for his work-related injuries. The Board found applicant failed to meet the burden of proving industrial causation for the death.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
This case involved a claim for workers' compensation death benefits for Bart Rickman, who died from a drug overdose. The Appeals Board denied reconsideration of the WCJ's finding that Rickman's death did not arise out of or occur in the course of his employment. While Rickman sustained admitted industrial injuries, the evidence, particularly Dr. Allems's opinion, strongly indicated his death was from a recreational heroin overdose, not from prescribed medications for his work-related injuries. The Board found applicant failed to meet the burden of proving industrial causation for the death.
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