Matter of Lazalee v. Wegman's Food Mkts., Inc.
Claimant Thomas Lazalee, a truck driver, established claims for work-related occupational diseases in both hands, undergoing multiple surgeries. The employer, Wegman's Food Markets, Inc., initially paid temporary total disability benefits but later sought to cross-examine treating physician Raymond Stefanich regarding the degree of disability following a 2019 surgery. A Workers' Compensation Law Judge and the Board denied the employer's request as untimely, noting the employer had accepted liability and paid benefits for months without challenging the disability status. The Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed the Board's decision, finding no basis to disturb the finding that the request for cross-examination was untimely, thereby waiving the employer's right.