Arthur Sustained an Injury to His Back

Arthur sustained an injury to his back. Arthur claimed the injury was suffered at work and filed a claim for workers' compensation benefits. The employer opposed this claim, saying the injury, if real, was the result of a congenital condition. In accordance with the statute, a hearing was held before the Workers' Compensation Board, which ruled against Arthur. Arthur became disgusted with the hearing officer and the proceedings because Arthur felt that the hearing officer did not like him. Arthur has consulted an attorney seeking to sue for workers' compensation benefits. An appeal is available within the agency, but Arthur wants to go directly to court because he feels that the agency appeal would be useless. Discuss the merits of this strategy.