Denial of Cancer-Stricken Firefighter's TD Claim Doesn't Preclude PTD Claim

A unanimous Washington Supreme Court ruled that the equitable doctrines of collateral estoppel and res judicata did not preclude a cancer-stricken firefighter from pursuing a permanent disability claim after his temporary disability claim was denied. Case: Weaver v. City of Everett, No. 96189-1, 10/17/2019, published. Facts and procedural history: Michael Weaver worked for the City of Everett as a firefighter. In 2011, he noticed a mole on his left shoulder. The mole was removed, and a biopsy revealed that it contained a malignant melanoma. Weaver filed a workers’ compensation claim a...