Claim of Gennarelli v. Spruce-Up Cleaners, Inc.
This case involves an appeal from a decision by the Workmen’s Compensation Board concerning the death of a dry-cleaning manager. The decedent, who performed tailoring services for his employer both at the business premises and at home, died from a heart seizure following a minor automobile accident while commuting home. The Board determined that an employer-employee relationship existed and that the death, caused by emotional strain from the accident superimposed on a pre-existing heart condition, was a compensable accidental injury arising out of and in the course of employment. The court affirmed the Board's decision, reasoning that the tailoring work performed at home made the home part of the employment premises, thereby making travel between work and home compensable. The court also upheld the finding of an employee relationship over claims of independent contractor status.