November 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!
DEFINITION OF "DISABILITY"
This case turned on the definition of "disability" in a number of different statutory contexts. The Washington Supreme Court decided that the federal definition of "disability" used in the Americans with Disability Act would become the common definition.
Jul. 06, 2006 - 75024-6 - Ken McClarty v. Totem Electric, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 76
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=750246MAJ
Jul. 06, 2006 - 75024-6 - Ken McClarty v. Totem Electric, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 76 (Dissent)
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=750246DI1
Jul. 06, 2006 - 75024-6 - Ken McClarty v. Totem Electric, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 76 (Dissent)
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=750246DI2
LAST INJURIOUS EXPOSURE RULE APPLY TO OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE CLAIMS ONLY
This case argues that the "last injurious exposure" rule only applies to occupational disease claims, not injury claims.
Aug. 17, 2006 - 77267-3 - Cowlitz Stud Company, Respondent v. Dana Clevenger, et al., Petitioners.
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=772673MAJ
Aug. 17, 2006 - 77267-3 - Cowlitz Stud Company, Respondent v. Dana Clevenger, et al., Petitioners. (Dissent)
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/?fa=opinions.opindisp&docid=772673DI1
SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS ENFORCEMENT UNDER THE "GENERAL DUTY" CLAUSE
This case argues that the Department of Labor & Industries can impose fines on employers for safety violations related to ergonomics, despite passage of Initiative 841, under the "General Duty" clause of the WISHA Act.
Oct. 19, 2006 - 76527-8 - Supervalu Holdings, Inc. v. Dep't of Labor and Indus.
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/index.cfm?fa=opinions.showOpinion&filename=765278MAJ
Oct. 19, 2006 - 76527-8 - Supervalu Holdings, Inc. v. Dep't of Labor and Indus. (Dissent)
http://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/index.cfm?fa=opinions.showOpinion&filename=765278Di1
