Joseph Ricciardi, Petitioner-Appellant v. Damar Products Company, Respondent-Respondent

Summary

The Supreme Court held that the employer‑sponsored picnic was a work‑connected event covered by the workers' compensation statute, that travel to and from the picnic was covered under the special‑mission exception, that the petitioner was a partial dependent of his deceased wife, and that the compensation rate for a partial dependent may be calculated using either the actual contribution or a constructed full‑week wage approach. The Court reversed the Appellate Division and remanded for further proceedings. Justice Proctor, Hall and Haneman dissented, arguing for affirmation of the Appellate Division.