Ocean Accident & Guarantee Corp. v. Hodges

Broyles, C. J. This was a claim arising under the workmen’s compensation act. The only question to be decided is whether Hodges, the deceased, was an employee of the lumber company in question, or whether he was an independent contractor. Upon the hearing of the claim before a member of the industrial commission the evidence showed that Hodges and the lumber company entered into an oral contract, under which Hodges was to cut and haul logs for the company at $5 per thousand feet. He was to furnish the tools, teams, and laborers necessary for the work. His name was put upon the company’s pay-roll, but the names of the men he hired to assist him were not on the pay-roll, he paying them himself. Hodges himself actually did the work of a laborer, cutting down and hauling the logs. Evidence was also adduced (see pages 17, 24, and 33 of the record) which, together with the legal inferences and deductions arising therefrom, authorized a finding that the lumber company retained the right to direct Hodges, not only as to what work he should do, but how he should do it. The commissioner, therefore, was authorized to find that the relation of master and servant existed between the lumber company and Hodges. See, in this connection, Singer Mfg. Co. v. Rahn, 132 U. S. 518 (1) (33 L. ed. 440); 26 Cyc. 966. It follows that the judge of the superior court did not erf in affirming the judgment and award of the commissioner. Judgment affirmed. Luke and Bloodworth, JJ., concur.