Porter Sims vs. Bryant School District

BEFORE THE ARKANSAS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION CLAIM NO. G904931 PORTER R. SIMS, EMPLOYEE CLAIMANT BRYANT SCHOOL DISTRICT SELF-INSURED EMPLOYER RESPONDENT ARKANSAS SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION, CARRIER/TPA RESPONDENT ORDER FILED APRIL 23, 2024 Before the FULL COMMISSION in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. Claimant represented by the HONORABLE DANIEL E. WREN, Attorney at Law, Little Rock, Arkansas. Respondents represented by the HONORABLE KAREN H. McKINNEY, Attorney at Law, Little Rock, Arkansas. ORDER Presently before the Full Commission is Respondents’ Motion to Dismiss Claimant’s Appeal of an administrative law judge’s opinion dated October 24, 2023 due to untimely filing of the Notice of Appeal. The claimant’s attorney signed for the Opinion on October 26, 2023, which would make the notice of appeal due on November 25, 2023. The claimant’s attorney emailed the notice of appeal to the Commission on November 24, 2023. The Commission offices were closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24, 2023. The claimant’s notice of appeal was timely filed. Since

Sims-G904931 2 November 25, 2013 fell on Saturday, the claimant’s notice of appeal was not due until Monday, November 27, 2023. After consideration of respondents’ motion and all other matters properly before the Commission, we find that the Respondents’ Motion to Dismiss Claimant’s Appeal should be and is hereby denied. IT IS SO ORDERED. ____________________________________ SCOTTY DALE DOUTHIT, Chairman ____________________________________ M. SCOTT WILLHITE, Commissioner _____________________________________ MICHAEL R. MAYTON, Commissioner