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Lewis v. KENTUCKY CENTRAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Citations: 201 S.E.2d 228; 20 N.C. App. 247; 1973 N.C. App. LEXIS 1529Docket: 7314IC471
Court: Court of Appeals of North Carolina; December 19, 1973; North Carolina; State Appellate Court
The Court of Appeals of North Carolina affirmed the decision of the Industrial Commission regarding the compensability of William Ralph Lewis's injury sustained during his employment with Kentucky Central Life Insurance Company. The court found that the specific findings of fact established by the Commission were supported by competent evidence and were therefore binding on the appeal. The critical question was whether Lewis's injury arose out of and in the course of his employment. The court concluded that Lewis acted substantially for the benefit of his employer in his role as a debit insurance collector and salesman. His job required continuous communication with policyholders, which directly reflected both his and the company's reputation. Actions that fostered goodwill for Lewis also benefited his employer, establishing a sufficient connection with his employment. The court emphasized that Lewis's actions at the time of the accident were not merely for general goodwill but were directly related to retaining existing business and promoting new sales, both of which were essential for the company. Consequently, the Commission's conclusion that the accident was work-related was fully supported by the evidence. The appeal was denied, and the original order and award were affirmed. Judges Campbell and Morris concurred with the decision.