Worker's Death from Drugs and Alcohol Was Compensable

The widow of a trucking company employee who died after ingesting six different prescription medications and alcohol was entitled to surviving spouse benefits as a matter of law, a divided Washington Court of Appeals panel ruled on Tuesday. Judge Linda Lau, joined by Judge Michael S. Spearman, concluded that Brian Shirley's accidental death was work-related since the drugs had been prescribed to treat the lasting effects of his 2004 industrial back injury. The case was Department of Labor and Industries v. Shirley, No. 66994-0-I.Shirley injured his low back while working for Well...