July 2006
LEGAL ISSUES UPDATE
There have been a number of odd and interesting legal decisions of late concerning workers’ compensation and safety issues. The following is a list of the topics covered, and a link to the court decisions. Some of the opinions rendered have dissenting opinions.
Please be sure to share this within your organization, and with your legal representation, so that they are aware of the cases percolating in the system!
ASBESTOS EXPOSURE NOTIFICATION
This case appears to hold employers accountable for not notifying unions, let alone the workers directly, when there is asbestos exposure. Another in a series of cases by the trial bar to expand tort liability for work-related asbestos exposure.
Apr. 17, 2006 - 55055-1 - Edwin Herring, Appellant v. Texaco, Inc., Respondent
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=550551MAJ
Apr. 17, 2006 - 55055-1 - Edwin Herring, Appellant v. Texaco, Inc., Respondent (Dissent)
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=550551DIS
HEARING LOSS TOLLING OF BENEFITS
This case argues that hearing loss is not “progressive,” therefore benefits should be calculated based on the more recent date of manifestation, not the original date of manifestation.
May. 01, 2006 - 55902-8 - HARRY VS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRIES
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=559028MAJ
FIREFIGHTERS – COVERAGE AND ABIILITY TO SUE
This case argues that firefighters are covered under LEOFF II, should receive workers’ compensation benefits, and should be able to sue their employer under LEOFF II.
Jun. 19, 2006 - 55256-2 - Kevin Locke, Respondent v. Cityof Seattle, Appellant
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=552562MAJ
SAFETY AND WISHA CITATIONS
This case expands when employers are subject to safety related citations.
Jun. 01, 2006 - 76064-1 - Cobra Roofing Services, Inc., v. State of WA, Dept of Labor & Industries
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=760641MAJ
Jun. 01, 2006 - 76064-1 - Cobra Roofing Services, Inc., v. State of WA, Dept of Labor & Industries (Dissent)
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=760641DI1
Jun. 01, 2006 - 76064-1 - Cobra Roofing Services, Inc., v. State of WA, Dept of Labor & Industries (Dissent)
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=760641DI2
Jun. 01, 2006 - 76064-1 - Cobra Roofing Services, Inc., v. State of WA, Dept of Labor & Industries (Dissent)
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=760641DI3
SAFETY AND LOCATION OF VIOLATION CITED
This case expands when employers are subject to safety related citations.
Jul. 03, 2006 - 55875-7 - Netversant Wireless, Res./Cr-App. v. Wa. St. Labor & Ind., App./Cr-Res.
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=558757MAJ
SEASONAL/INTERMITTENT EMPLOYMENT FOR WAGE CALCULATION
This case appears to expand the Avundes decision based on a bad interpretation of facts.
Jul. 11, 2006 - 33421-6 - Robert Watson, Respondent v. DL & I, Appellant
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=334216MAJ
