In re George Rivera's Case

The employee, George Rivera, appeals from a decision of the reviewing board of the Department of Industrial Accidents (board) that vacated an award of benefits under G. L. c. 152, §§ 13, 14(1), 30, & 34A, and enhanced attorney's fees under G. L. c. 152, § 13A.2 ,3 For the reasons that follow, we affirm.

Background. Rivera has been employed as a correction officer for the Department of Correction (DOC) since 1989. On February 25, 1996, he injured both of his knees when he tried to break up a fight between two inmates. The injury required surgery on both knees. The Commonwealth accepted…