Allstate Messenger Service & Travelers Insurance v. James

The sole issue on this appeal is whether the evidence was sufficient to support a finding by the Industrial Commission that a claimant of death benefits under the Workmen’s Compensation Act was the child of the deceased employee.

Larry Williams, an employee of Allstate Messenger Service, was killed in an accident compensable under the Act. Purporting to be decedent’s son, Brian Donnell James, an infant suing by his mother, Velma James, filed a claim for death benefits against Allstate and its insurer, Travelers Insurance Company. Decedent’s mother withdrew her claim in favor of the infant’s…