Whitehead v. Keene Roofing Co.

In the course of his employment, Walter Pate Whitehead fell from a roof on which he was working and sustained serious bodily injuries. He did not improve; and, a little more than three months after the accident, he swallowed a mixture of potash and lye from which he died four days later. His widow, the appellant, filed claim for benefits under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Deputy Commissioner found that the deceased took his life by wilful intent and dismissed the claim. The full Commission reversed the order of the Deputy Commissioner and awarded appellant workmen's compensation,…