Decision  Jane Sgouros v. Department of Transitional Assistance

Date:	04/11/2016
Organization:	Department of Industrial Accidents
Docket Number:	DIA Board No. 036064-13
Location:	Boston

• Employee: Jane Sgouros
• Employer: Department of Transitional Assistance
• Self Insurer: Commonwealth of Massachusetts

HORAN, J. The self-insurer appeals from a decision awarding the employee §§ 13, 30, and 34 benefits for "psychiatric injuries" caused by events at work. (Dec. 8-9.)¹ Because the employee failed to introduce medical evidence sufficient to establish that the events she experienced at work were "the predominant contributing cause" of her disability, we conclude she did not suffer a compensable personal injury,² and reverse the decision.

¹ The self-insurer defended the employee’s claims, inter alia, on the grounds of liability, causal relationship, and extent of disability/incapacity. (Dec. 3.)

² See General Laws, c. 152, § 1(7A)(third sentence), which provides:

Personal injuries shall include mental or emotional disabilities only where the predominant contributing cause of such disability is an event or series of events occurring within any employment.