Service Technician Can Keep Benefits for Legionnaires' Disease, Court Rules

The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled Monday that a technician who serviced drink vending machines can keep his workers' compensation benefits for Legionnaires' disease, a form of pneumonia caused by exposure to bacteria-infested water. The court's ruling upheld decisions by the Workers' Compensation Appeal Board and a workers' compensation judge. Although no one tested the vending machines Shawn Gallen serviced between June 10-27 of 2013 for bacteria, a workers' compensation judge found the opinion of Gallen's doctor linking the disease to work more credible ...