Galaida v. Autozone, Inc.

Thomas Galaida challenges a final worker’s compensation order which denied entirely his claim for medical and indemnity benefits. The Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) denied the claim on the finding that Galaida substantially deviated from employment at the time of his accident. For the reasons that follow, we affirm the denial of the claim.

While Galaida was working at an auto parts store, he walked outside to his car which was parked in the store parking lot for the purpose of obtaining a cigarette. As he opened the car door, a loaded firearm fell to the ground and discharged. Galaida was…