Page:Gansky v. Hi-Tech Engineering.pdf/10

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172
Gansky v. Hi-Tech Eng'g
Cite as 325 Ark. 163 (1996)
[325


ultimately abandoned its Shippers defense based on Gansky's misrepresentations at the time of his employment, this evidence certainly had bearing on his credibility in the proceedings before the Commission.

More importantly, it is clear from the evidence that Gansky was advised by Hi-Tech on Friday, February 19, 1993, that he was being laid off due to lack of work. Gansky signed the termination report which contained this information. He testified that when he visited Dr. Gocio three days later on Monday, February 22, 1993, he "thought Dr. Gocio would release him to return to work on that day," but the doctor "decided to do a functional capacity evaluation because Hi-Tech told me prior to seeing the doctor, I could consider myself laid off." This testimony, coupled with the report of Gansky's physical therapist, is substantial evidence that Gansky had completed his period of temporary disability and was ready to return to work. The record further reflects that Gansky made no attempt to either return to employment or seek follow-up medical care after, his last visit to Dr. Gocio on February 22, 1993. Although he testified that his neck and back continued to hurt, these were essentially the same complaints that he voiced following his injury of February 1990.

I conclude that this Court has chosen to disregard the standard for review of Commission decisions in reversing the Commission in this instance. Here, reasonable minds could clearly have reached the same conclusion as reached by the Commission; I would affirm its decision.

GLAZE, J., joins in this dissent.