Henry General Hospital v. Stephens

Carley, Judge.

Ralph Stephens sought workers’ compensation benefits but died before a hearing could be held. After his death, the workers’ compensation claim was pursued by his widow, appellee Betty Stephens. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found that Mr. Stephens’ pre-existing hepatitis condition had been aggravated by his employment and that that aggravation had initially resulted in his compensable disability and in his eventual death. Accordingly, the ALJ awarded benefits to appellee. Appellants, the employer and its workers’ compensation insurance carrier, appealed to the Full Board,…