High Court Decision on Occupational Diseases May Doom SIF Claim

A Missouri appeals court said a recent decision from the state's Supreme Court holding that occupational diseases are not compensable preexisting disabilities for Second Injury Fund Claims could derail an injured worker's claim for benefits. The decision the high court handed down in Treasurer of Missouri as Custodian of the Second Injury Fund v. Penney doesn't necessarily mean Brian White is ineligible for SIF benefits, the Eastern District Appeals Court said. But the high court's decision from April 29 does mean the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission exceeded its auth...