Youngren v. Weyerhaeuser Co.

This is a case of denial of workers’ compensation benefits. Claimant, frustrated by a disagreement with a fellow employe, struck a large metal drum several times in lieu of striking his fellow employe. In this uneven struggle, the drum won: the employe suffered a broken bone in his left hand. Both the referee and the Workers’ Compensation Board denied compensation. We reverse.

The referee found the injury to be self-inflicted, thereby disqualifying the claimant under ORS 656.156G).1 On de novo review, however, we are satisfied that the claimant intended only to vent frustration, not injure…