Justices to Hear Widows' Cases, Despite Decision

The West Virginia Supreme Court today will hear a trio of related cases filed by widows who were promised workers' compensation survivor benefits for life until the state changed its mind. Gov. Joe Manchin last month stepped into the legal matter and declared that the state would not cut off survivor benefits to more than 140 people. Manchin's policy decision preempted today's trial at the Supreme Court, which ordered Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline to appear and defend the state's change of policy regarding survivor benefits for life. The widows' appeals will be heard nonetheless. The c...