Madison Hotel v. District Columbia

NEBEKER, Associate Judge: Petitioners Madison Hotel and Western Employees Insurance Company (Western Employers) appeal a decision of respondent Department of Employment Services (DOES) granting workers' compensation benefits to Celina Farias. Petitioners contend that DOES erred in concluding that Farias' failure to timely notify petitioners of her injury was excused, and therefore did not bar her claim for compensation. We agree with petitioners and reverse and remand the case for further proceedings. 1 Celina Farias has worked at the Madison Hotel bussing tables for approximately thirteen years. During those years, she has sustained numerous work-related injuries to her hands and wrists. 2 On January 17, 1983, Farias was attempting to lift a splash pan filled with dishes when it fell upon her right wrist. There were no witnesses to the accident, but a short time later, a co-worker observed Farias putting ice on her hand. Farias did not report the accident to her employer because she was embarrassed about the number and frequency of her hand injuries. 3