Peterson v. State Industrial Accident Commission

Shumway Brothers were farmers engaged in the stock-raising business in Baker county, Oregon, who had not elected to conduct their business under what is usually known as the Workman’s Compensation Law. Neither they nor their employees had elected not to be subject to the act.

In April, 1931, they employed Clarence Peterson and three of his brothers for the sole purpose of felling timber, cutting it into 16-inch lengths and splitting it into suitable size for stovewood to be used on the farm of the employers.

The timber to be cut would scale from two feet to four feet at the base, and run about…