Claim of Snarski v. New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group
The Workers' Compensation Board denied an application by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group for reconsideration of a prior decision finding it liable as the workers' compensation carrier for a claimant's back injury. The claimant, an equipment operator, sustained the injury in October 2000 in Sullivan County, New York, while working for a New Jersey corporation. Initially, the carrier controverted the New York claim, asserting its policy only covered jobs in New Jersey. However, a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge and the Board found the policy vague and ruled the carrier liable. The carrier appealed the Board's denial of reconsideration, but not the underlying liability decision. The court affirmed the Board's denial, finding it was not arbitrary or capricious, and the carrier presented no new evidence to warrant a change.