Griffin’s Case
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
51 N.E.2d 768, 315 Mass. 71 (1943)
- Written by Whitney Punzone, JD
Facts
Patrick Griffin suffered from a heart condition. On July 22, 1940, Griffin died during his employment while setting up an oven at a bakery. Griffin worked on the oven for about 45 minutes before he had a heart attack. Three days before he passed away, Griffin’s physician advised him to take a week to rest, because his blood pressure was very high. Griffin’s widow (plaintiff) filed for workers’-compensation benefits. The witness for the insurer (defendant), a physician, testified that the work Griffin performed on the day he died was not a factor in producing his death. The widow’s witnesses, two physicians, testified that the exertion of work caused acute heart failure, and Griffin’s death was the result of an injury arising out of his employment. A single member of the board found the testimony of the widow’s two physicians more credible than the insurer’s witness. The member held that Griffin suffered a personal injury arising out of and in the course of his employment, causing his death. The board adopted the member’s findings. Griffin’s widow sought a decree with the Massachusetts Superior Court. A decree was entered in favor of Griffin’s widow based on the board’s findings.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Dolan, J.)
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