GLADYS G. BRAMELD v. ALBERT DICKINSON COMPANY AND ANOTHER

Minnesota Supreme Court1932-04-29No. No. 28,833

186 Minn. 89

Summary · law.co

Holding. The Industrial Commission's order awarding compensation for death resulting from the employment-related automobile accident was affirmed, as the evidence supported a finding of causal connection between the collision and the employee's fatal condition, and the employer waived its right to challenge the medical evidence by declining to pursue an autopsy.

Raymond Bernard Brameld was employed as a traveling salesman for the Albert Dickinson Company, working out of Mason City, Iowa with significant independence in managing his routes and maintaining records at home. On April 15, 1930, while driving a company-furnished automobile, he was struck by another vehicle. Though initially appearing to have minor injuries, he subsequently developed acute hemorrhagic encephalitis and died on May 3, 1930. Medical evidence supported a causal connection between the collision and his fatal condition, despite some complications from his prior health issues and lifestyle factors.

The Industrial Commission awarded death benefits to his widow under the workers' compensation act. The employer challenged the decision on appeal, arguing in part that an autopsy should have been performed. However, the employer had refused an autopsy when initially requested and failed to petition the commission to compel one as the statute allowed. The court found that the commission properly considered the evidence and reasonably concluded that the employment-related accident caused the employee's death.

Summary generated by law.co from the public-domain opinion. The opinion text itself is public domain.

Key issues

Whether an employee working outside the state qualifies for workers' compensation coverage
Causation between a workplace automobile accident and subsequent fatal illness
Waiver of autopsy rights under the compensation act

Procedural posture

The case came to the court by certiorari to review an Industrial Commission order awarding workers' compensation death benefits.

Authorities cited

No cited authorities resolved to law.co cases yet.

Opinion · public domain

majority opinion

Dibell, J.

Certiorari to review the order of the industrial commission awarding compensation for the death of respondent’s husband, alleged to have been accidentally caused while in the employ of the Albert Dickinson Company, a corporation doing business in Minneapolis. The Indemnity Insurance Company of North America is the insurer.

In 1930 the deceased, Raymond Bernard Brameld, was in the employ of the defendant as a traveling salesman. He worked out of Mason City, Iowa, where he lived. He was furnished an automobile, carried samples, visited the trade, made his routes much upon his own judgment, and kept the records of his transactions at his home. He dealt with local dealers and directly with the farmers. The character of his work and his arrangement with the Dickinson company were such as to bring him within the compensation act though he worked outside the state. State ex rel. McCarthy Brothers Co. v. District Court, 141 Minn. 61, 169 N. W. 274; State ex rel. Chambers v. District Court, 139 Minn. 205, 166 N. W. 185, 3 A. L. R. 1347; State ex rel. Maryland Cas. Co. v. District Court, 140 Minn. 427, 168 N. W. 177; State ex rel. L. & L. Ind. Co. v. District Court, 141 Minn. 348, 170 N. W. 218; Stansberry v. Monitor Stove Co. 150 Minn. 1, 183 N. W. 977, 20 A. L. R. 316; Bradtmiller v. Liquid Carbonic Co. 173 Minn. 481, 217 N. W. 680; 6 Dunnell, Minn. Dig. (2 ed. & Supp. 1 and 2) §§ 10387-10388, and cases cited.

On April 15,1930, the decedent ivas driving the auto furnished by the defendant and came into collision with another car just as he reached Mason City on his way home. The impact of the two machines was severe, but no great harm was thought done though the employe Avas bruised. He was taken to the police station, and then the garage man drove him home. The tie bolt of the car was broken, one fender Avas bent, the front axle was bent, the left front wheel Avas sprung, the radiator Avas damaged, and the hood bent. The car Avas turned 0Arer. The road Avas rough and described as “almost like a washboard.”

After the accident ánd on the same day, the deceased reported to his employer that he was shaken up, felt bruised, but thought that he would be all right Avithin a feAV days. The physician Avho gave him first attention Avas called on the evening of April 15. He saAV the decedent the next day and again on April 17. On April 19 the decedent called another physician. This physician diagnosed the case as acute hemorrhagic encephalitis, and Avas able to see a relation of cause-and effect betAveen the injury of April 15 and his death on May 3, 1930, a contributing cause or a definite cause. On April 29 another physician made the same diagnosis. One of the physicians found evidence of an injury or displacement of the coccyx. One said there Avas a fracture.

The decedent indulged in drinking bouts, which were not conducive to his well-being and are suggested as aiding in the fatal development of his accident. He had had other accidents. He was nervous and unstrung. He had been in another accident shortly before. There is some doubt as to the actual cause of his death, but that given by the doctor is sustained by the evidence.

The evidence sustains a finding that the employe was engaged in the course of his employment within the compensation act. The case of State ex rel. L. & L. Ind. Co. v. District Court, 141 Minn. 348, 170 N. W. 218, is particularly in point. Many others are cited in 6 Dunnell, Minn. Dig. (2 ed. & Supp.) § 10404.

The commission considered the case fulby. It found a causal connection between the automobile collision and his death. Our rule is that the court Avill not disturb a finding of the commission upon a question of fact AAdien from the eiddence and the inferences which may be legitimately draAvn therefrom reasonable minds can draw a conclusion in harmony AAÚth that of the commission. Jones v. Excelsior Laundry Co. 183 Minn. 531, 237 N. W. 419; Larson v. A. Guthrie & Co. Inc. 184 Minn. 33, 237 N. W. 606; Tevik v. Lahti Bros. 182 Minn. 268, 234 N. W. 320; Klugman v. Central Hanover B. & T. Co. 183 Minn. 541, 237 N. W. 420; 6 Dunnell, Minn. Dig. (2 ed. & Supp.) § 10426, and cases cited.

The compensation act provides that in all death claims AAdiere the cause of death is obscure or disputed any interested party may request an autopsy, and, if denied, the industrial commission may upon petition order it. G. S. 1923 (1 Mason, 1927) § 4283(4). The defendant Avas refused an autopsy upon demand. It did not apply to the commission. It cannot complain. We are not required to consider the extent or limits of the right given by the statute and refrain from a further construction.

An attorney’s fee of $100 is alloAved in this court.

Order affirmed.