Smith v. Great Northern Paper, Inc.

RUDMAN, Justice.

Donald Smith appeals from a Workers’ Compensation Board decision denying Smith’s petition to commute his future benefits into a lump-sum settlement. 39 M.R.S.A. § 71-A (1989). Smith contends that there is no rational basis for the hearing officer’s decision that a lump-sum settlement would not be in Smith’s best interest. Because we conclude that the hearing officer had a rational basis for his decision, we affirm the decision and decline to reach the issues raised by Great Northern Paper Co. and the amicus parties. 1

Donald Smith suffered a work-related injury to his right…