Diesel Drivers v. Industrial Commission

OPINION

HAIRE, Judge.

On this review of an award entered by the respondent Commission’s hearing officer in a workmen’s compensation proceeding, the sole issue concerns the amount of death benefits payable to the unadopted minor stepchildren of the deceased workman.

The deceased employee, Harrison Bittinger, died on April 14, 1976, as a result of an accident arising out of and in the course of his employment. Approximately six weeks prior to his death he had married his surviving widow, Carol Bittinger, who was the natural mother of the four minor children whose claims for death benefits are…