{ "id": 5324474, "name": "Howard ROBERSON, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Cleo POWELL, Employer and Travelers Insurance Company, Insurer, Defendants-Appellees", "name_abbreviation": "Roberson v. Powell", "decision_date": "1967-06-05", "docket_number": "No. 7880", "first_page": "69", "last_page": "71", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "78 N.M. 69" }, { "type": "parallel", "cite": "428 P.2d 471" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.M.", "id": 8835, "name": "Supreme Court of New Mexico" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 52, "name_long": "New Mexico", "name": "N.M." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "75 N.M. 211", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 5374205 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1965, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/75/0211-01" ] }, { "cite": "74 N.M. 712", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 2798717 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1964, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/74/0712-01" ] }, { "cite": "71 N.M. 491", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 5348970 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1926, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/71/0491-01" ] }, { "cite": "47 N.W.2d 872", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.W.2d", "year": 1951, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "234 Minn. 146", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Minn.", "case_ids": [ 179611 ], "year": 1951, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/minn/234/0146-01" ] }, { "cite": "59 N.M. 328", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1589265 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1955, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/59/0328-01" ] }, { "cite": "58 N.M. 674", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1587505 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1954, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/58/0674-01" ] }, { "cite": "74 N.M. 211", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 2797437 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1964, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/74/0211-01" ] }, { "cite": "71 N.M. 175", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 5346436 ], "weight": 2, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/71/0175-01" ] }, { "cite": "73 N.M. 470", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 5321994 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1964, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/73/0470-01" ] }, { "cite": "253 N.W. 198", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.W.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "266 Mich. 16", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Mich.", "case_ids": [ 1853182 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/mich/266/0016-01" ] }, { "cite": "102 Mont. 455", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Mont.", "case_ids": [ 8518166 ], "weight": 2, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/mont/102/0455-01" ] }, { "cite": "193 N.Y.S. 344", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.Y.S.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "200 App.Div. 246", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "A.D.", "case_ids": [ 4635811 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ad/200/0246-01" ] }, { "cite": "184 N.E. 380", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "282 Mass. 155", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Mass.", "case_ids": [ 3833807 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/mass/282/0155-01" ] }, { "cite": "92 A.L.R. 501", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "249 N.W. 60", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.W.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "212 Wis. 22", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Wis.", "case_ids": [ 8684567 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/wis/212/0022-01" ] }, { "cite": "210 S.W. 467", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.W.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "183 Ky. 815", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ky.", "case_ids": [ 4468892 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ky/183/0815-01" ] }, { "cite": "134 A. 163", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "A.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "125 Me. 374", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Me.", "case_ids": [ 493903 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/me/125/0374-01" ] }, { "cite": "44 N.M. 567", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.M.", "case_ids": [ 1566833 ], "weight": 6, "year": 1940, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nm/44/0567-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 598, "char_count": 8856, "ocr_confidence": 0.657, "pagerank": { "raw": 1.5155893493419876e-07, "percentile": 0.6683484249467826 }, "sha256": "4054c872163ac2023bf9c3ae4ccba335c3a9f72ade3a38426823b070f0e97848", "simhash": "1:83eda5c37227a532", "word_count": 1512 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T21:27:10.359171+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "CHAVEZ, C. J., and NOBLE, COMPTON, and CARMODY, JJ., concur." ], "parties": [ "Howard ROBERSON, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Cleo POWELL, Employer and Travelers Insurance Company, Insurer, Defendants-Appellees." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "OPINION\nMOISE, Justice.\nWe are here called upon to determine if claimant is entitled to prosecute this action seeking workmen\u2019s compensation.\nClaimant was employed as a laborer by defendant Powell, a house builder, on December 7, 1962, on which date a board broke and struck claimant on the right shoulder. The court found that the accident arose out of and in the course of employment and occurred in the presence of defendant\u2019s foreman. At the time the board struck him, claimant stated it \u201cjust stung a little\u201d and the next day he complained to the foreman that his shoulder \u201cwas kind of hurting today.\u201d He made no other complaints, evidenced no disability, and declined to see a doctor. He continued to work for defendant until discharged for unrelated reasons, December 14, 1962. After the accident claimant suffered continuous pain and discomfort in his shoulder which developed a black spot on it which he treated with hot towels. Defendant\u2019s first knowledge that the accident had resulted in any disability was in June or July, 1963. Claimant first sought and received medical attention on October 30, 1963. It is not necessary that we consider the additional proof of disability which followed. It is sufficient to point out that the trial court found, and such findings are unchallenged that the injury was not latent and that claimant knew, or as a reasonable man should have known, as of December 15, 1962, or within a few days thereafter, that he had incurred a disabling injury. It has grown increasingly serious.\nAfter leaving the employ of defendant on December 14, 1962, claimant was unemployed by virtue of the condition of his shoulder and disability resulting therefrom until April, 1963, when he went to work for one Howell \u2014 a total of approximately four months without work. The employment for Howell continued for only three weeks during April and May, 1963, after which claimant was again unemployed for not over a month, until June 3, 1963, when he went to work for Rio Rancho Estates, where he worked continuously, and was still employed when this suit was filed on May 13, 1964.\nAlthough the court made no findings on the subject, the record is uncontradicted, and the claimant requested a finding that his weekly wage was $50.00 while employed by defendant, and that the employment by Howell and Rio Rancho Estates was at a higher wage.\nWe first consider the question of notice under \u00a7 59-10-13.4, N.M.S.A.1953. While finding that the accident happened in the presence of defendant\u2019s foreman, and that he had personal knowledge of it, the court nevertheless concluded that the action was barred because of failure to meet the notice requirements of that section. It reads:\n\u201cA. Any workman claiming to be entitled to compensation from any employer shall give notice in writing to his employer of the accident and of the injury within thirty [30] days after their occurrence ; unless, by reason of his injury or some other cause beyond his control the workman is prevented from giving notice within that time, in which case he shall give notice as soon as may reasonably be done, and at all events not later than sixty [60] days after the occurrence of the accident.\n\u201cB. No written notice is required to be given where the employer or any superintendent or foreman or other agent in charge of the work- in connection with which the accident occurred had actual knowledge of its occurrence.\u201d\nEver since our decision in Ogletree v. Jones, 44 N.M. 567, 106 P.2d 302 (1940), it has been the rule in this state that actual knowledge by the employer of an accident did not excuse the giving of written notice. Rather, the knowledge must be of an accident and compensable injury. We quote from Ogletree v. Jones, supra:\n\u201cThis knowledge which the statute requires, means \u2018more than just putting upon inquiry and involves more than knowledge of the mere happening of an accident.\u2019 71 C.J. 992, par. 770(2); Bartlet\u2019s Case, 125 Me. 374, 134 A. 163; Bates & Rogers Const. Co. v. Allen, 183 Ky. 815, 210 S.W. 467. \u2018Mere notice to the employer that the employee became sick while at work cannot be considered \u201cactual notice of injury\u201d within the provisions of the act excusing notice.\u2019 71 C.J. 992, 993, par. 770(3); Van Domelon v. Town of Vanden Broeck, 212 Wis. 22, 249 N.W. 60, 92 A.L.R. 501. And the knowledge which the employer must have to excuse a formal notice is of a compen-sable injury. Kangas\u2019 Case, 282 Mass. 155, 184 N.E. 380. See also Burji v. Jacob Hoffman Brewing Co., 200 App.Div. 246, 193 N.Y.S. 344; State ex rel. Magelo v. Industrial Accident Board, 102 Mont. 455, 59 P.2d 785; Gumtow v. Kalmazoo Motor Co., 266 Mich. 16, 253 N.W. 198.\u201d\nThe statute (\u00a7 156-113, N.M.C.S.1929, as amended, by ch. 92, \u00a7 7, N.M.S.L.1937) considered in Ogletree v. Jones, supra, has been amended several times between 1937 and 1959, when \u00a7 59-10-13.4, N.M.S.A. 1953, as now in effect, was adopted.\nIn Wilson v. Navajo Freight Lines, Inc., 73 N.M. 470, 389 P.2d 594 (1964) we had occasion to comment on these changes. We there said:\n\u201cDifficulty in applying our statute is\u2019 encountered by virtue of the requirement (1) that the notice be in writing; and (2) that it must be not only of the injury, but also of the accident. Likewise, to excuse the notice, there must be knowledge of the \u2018occurrence\u2019 by a superior in charge of the work. The \u2018occurrence\u2019 can mean nothing but the \u2018accident\u2019 when' considered in the context in which it-appears in \u00a7 59-10-13.4(B), quoted above. In this regard the statute differs from its form prior to its amendment by \u00a7 8, Ch. 67, N.M.S.L.1959, which changed -the-word \u2018injury\u2019 to \u2018accident\u2019 in \u00a7 59-10-, 13.4(B), quoted above. To our minds the change was a significant one. * * * \u201c * * * We have adhered strictly to the rule as first announced in Ogletree v. Jones, supra, and since the amendment noted above requiring the knowledge to be of the \u2018accident\u2019 rather than of the \u2018injury,\u2019 the conclusion there reached is made more convincing. Lozano v. Archer, 71 N.M. 175, 376 P.2d 963, relied upon heavily by plaintiff, is no departure from the doctrine of Ogletree v. Jones, supra. The employer there had immediate knowledge not only of the accident, but also of the injury.\u201d\nIn Baca v. Swift & Company, 74 N.M. 211, 392 P.2d 407, (1964), we considered the question of when knowledge or notice of an accident and injury was sufficient, and concluded that where employer had notice of the accident and a compensable injury, the fact that the employee came back to work, but was later discharged, did not as a matter of law establish that there was no right to continuing compensation, but rather that the question was properly for the jury. We there distinguished Spieker v. Skelly Oil Co., 58 N.M. 674, 274 P.2d 625 (1954), where the employee had been injured but returned to work asserting he was \u201ccured,\u201d and it was concluded that the employer had no notice of com-pensable claim so as to put it in default for failure to pay compensation. We also discussed and distinguished the situation presented when an injury was latent as claimed in Swallows v. City of Albuquerque, 59 N.M. 328, 284 P.2d 216 (1955).\nFrom all these cases, and others therein cited, we cannot escape the conclusion that under the facts here present knowledge of .the injury to his shoulder entitling claimant to compensation, and known to him during the four months or more when he was without work because of the condition, as found by the court, but at no time communicated to employer, is in fact and law a failure to timely comply with the provisions of \u00a7 59-10-13.4, supra, and barred recovery in this case under \u00a7 59-10-13.6, N.M.S.A.1953. Compare Rinne v. W. C. Griffis Co., 234 Minn. 146, 47 N.W.2d 872 (1951).\nHaving so concluded, we need not consider the additional arguments advanced by claimant. We would note, however, that the cases relied on by claimant as standing for a tolling of the time for filing suit where a workman was earning as much or' more after an accident as before do not aid claimant here. The cases are Cordova v. City of Albuquerque, 71 N.M. 491, 379 P.2d 781 (1926); Rayburn v. Boy\u2019s Super Market, Inc., 74 N.M. 712, 397 P.2d 953 (1964); Salazar v. Lavaland Heights Block Company, 75 N.M. 211, 402 P.2d 948 (1965). In none of those cases was any question presented as to sufficiency or timeliness of the notice under \u00a7 59-10-13.4,-supra.\nThe judgment appealed from is affirmed. It is so ordered.\nCHAVEZ, C. J., and NOBLE, COMPTON, and CARMODY, JJ., concur.", "type": "majority", "author": "MOISE, Justice." } ], "attorneys": [ "Toulouse, Ruud, Gallagher & Walters, Albuquerque, for appellant.", "Rodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, Charles B. Larrabee, Albuquerque, for ap-pellees." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "428 P.2d 471\nHoward ROBERSON, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. Cleo POWELL, Employer and Travelers Insurance Company, Insurer, Defendants-Appellees.\nNo. 7880.\nSupreme Court of New Mexico.\nJune 5, 1967.\nToulouse, Ruud, Gallagher & Walters, Albuquerque, for appellant.\nRodey, Dickason, Sloan, Akin & Robb, Charles B. Larrabee, Albuquerque, for ap-pellees." }, "file_name": "0069-01", "first_page_order": 109, "last_page_order": 111 }