High Court Upholds Compensability of Electrician's Leukemia From Benzene Exposure

The West Virginia Supreme Court unanimously upheld an award of benefits to an electrician who developed leukemia after years of exposure to benzene. Case: Chapman Corp. v. Kemp, No. 21-0501, 04/05/2023, published. Facts: Teddy Kemp worked as an electrician for Chapman Corp. He allegedly was exposed to numerous chemicals, including benzene, over the course of his 39-year career. In 2016, Kemp was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He filed an application for workers’ compensation benefits, blaming his cancer on his benzene exposures. Dr. Amit Mehta completed the physician...