Tharp v. City of Norfolk

Opinion

BENTON, J.

James L. Tharp, a firefighter employed by the City of Norfolk, died on April 11, 1992. The City of Norfolk contested Diana G. Tharp’s claim for dependent benefits because, although Ms. Tharp and the decedent were married at the time of the decedent’s death, they had separated and appeared to be financially independent of each other. Ms. Tharp appeals from the Workers’ Compensation Commission’s findings that she was not dependent upon her deceased husband at the time of his death, Code § 65.2-515, and, therefore, was not entitled to dependent benefits. She contends that…