Board Applies Wrong Compensability Standard to Asbestos Claim

The West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals ruled that the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review erred in applying the standard of compensability for occupational pneumoconiosis to a widow’s claim for a worker’s death from asbestos exposure. Case: Cantrell v. Adams MFG Co. Inc., No. 24-ICA-6, 07/30/2024, unpublished. Facts: Spencer Thurman Cantrell worked for several years as an electrician and welder. His last employer was Adams MFG Co. Inc. He allegedly worked with known asbestos products, including packing, mining cables and brakes. Cantrell’s bother was ...