Ruby v. Hutchison

Opinion by

Hirt, J.,

Claimant was a member of a timber gang employed by defendant to clear the right of way for a new State highway. On June 12, 1939 while attempting to control the direction of fall of a tree, with a pike pole, he lost his footing and fell over a large rock. From the resulting injury to his back he was paid compensation for total disability by agreement for a period of less than 14 weeks. He was illiterate and, except for the compensation received, was destitute. On the advice of his family physician (honestly given, however) who was also the company doctor, he signed a final…