Jeff Stacy's Case

Summary

The court affirmed the Reviewing Board's determination that Jeff Stacy's COVID-19 infection was a compensable personal injury because the hazard of contracting the disease was inherent in his employment as an essential-services lineman during the pandemic. The court held that the Board reasonably considered the extraordinary conditions requiring Stacy to work in close contact with coworkers while most other businesses were closed or operating remotely. Applying limited administrative-law review, the court concluded that the decision had adequate evidentiary support, reflected reasoned decision-making, and was not contrary to law.