Court Affirms Finding HVAC Technician's Death Was Caused by Industrial Exposure to Asbestos

The North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld an award of benefits to the estate of a worker, finding substantial evidence supported a determination that his death was caused by his industrial exposure to asbestos. Case: Patton v. Sears Roebuck & Co., No. COA14-955, 02/17/2015, published. Facts: Thurman Franklin Patton worked for Sears Roebuck & Co. from 1958 until 1995 as a service technician, providing maintenance for home heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. Over the years, Patton developed lung problems, shortness of breath and heart issues. He filed a claim for b...