Department of Corrections v. Workers' Compensation Appeals Board

Opinion

RYLAARSDAM, J.

Petitioner California Department of Corrections (Department) challenges a decision of respondent Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (Board) awarding to respondent Jerry Stentz temporary disability indemnity in the sum of $126 per week. It contends that because Stentz, a state prisoner at the time of his injury, was earning only sentencing credits, he is not entitled to indemnity. We agree and annul the Board’s award.

Facts

Stentz claimed back injury caused by an industrial accident on March 3, 1996, while he was employed as a sorter/steam cleaner in a prison laundry. After…