Claim of Wald v. Avalon Partners, Inc.
This case concerns an appeal from a Workers' Compensation Board decision that found an employer-employee relationship existed between the claimant's decedent, a stockbroker, and Avalon Partners, Inc. The decedent perished in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, and his spouse filed for death benefits. Initially disallowed by a Workers' Compensation Law Judge who deemed the decedent an independent contractor, the Board reversed this finding. The Appellate Division affirmed the Board's decision, concluding it was supported by substantial evidence. Factors considered included Avalon's right to control decedent's work, payment through payroll with tax deductions and W-2 forms, and the right to discharge.