Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / May 13, 2019
JOAN KNUTTER, Deceased Employee by MICHAEL KNUTTER, Claimant-Respondent vs. AMERICAN NATIONAL INSURANCE, Employer-Appellant
Joan Knutter's son, Michael Knutter, sought dependent benefits after his mother's death, which he alleged was caused by a workplace ankle injury leading to a pulmonary embolism. The Labor and Industrial Relations Commission awarded benefits, reversing an ALJ's decision. The employer appealed, challenging the sufficiency of evidence for causation and the substitution of Michael as a party. The appellate court affirmed the Commission's award, finding sufficient competent evidence supported the causation finding and that the employer's challenge to the substitution was not preserved for appeal.