In 1928, Joseph Stephens, an employee of Beard's Erie Basin, tripped on a winch handle, fell and hurt his arm.  The State Industrial Board awarded him compensation for the days he was unable to work. Beard and the Travelers Insurance Company contested this award, arguing that Stephens, who was on his way home, had not taken the most direct route out of the docks, but had looked in on fellow employees sawing wood and was thus solely responsible for his fall. Stephens claimed he was regularly making $25 per week. The State Board awarded him disability compensation for 9 1/3 weeks at $18.48 per week.