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Douglas L. Raley, an employee formerly with ASARCO Inc., was awarded worker's compensation benefits for a disability caused by silicosis, an occupational disease. ASARCO appealed this award, contesting the causal link between Raley's silicosis and his employment, and the sufficiency of medical evidence for permanent disability under T.C.A. § 50-1101. Raley, a fine grinding operator, was exposed to heavy dust containing free respirable silica at ASARCO's mills, with levels sometimes exceeding federal safety standards. Medical testimony from Dr. William K. Swann confirmed silicosis directly resulted from this exposure, causing permanent work restrictions. Dr. William K. Rogers also rated Raley with a thirty percent permanent disability due to pulmonary function loss. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment, concluding that Raley was last injuriously exposed to the disease hazard during his ASARCO employment, fulfilling the statutory requirements for benefits.
Asarco Inc. v. Raley is a workers' compensation case decided in Tennessee Supreme Court. This case addresses legal issues related to compensation claims, benefits, and court rulings.
It is commonly referenced in legal research involving workers' compensation laws in Tennessee Supreme Court.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
Douglas L. Raley, an employee formerly with ASARCO Inc., was awarded worker's compensation benefits for a disability caused by silicosis, an occupational disease. ASARCO appealed this award, contesting the causal link between Raley's silicosis and his employment, and the sufficiency of medical evidence for permanent disability under T.C.A. § 50-1101. Raley, a fine grinding operator, was exposed to heavy dust containing free respirable silica at ASARCO's mills, with levels sometimes exceeding federal safety standards. Medical testimony from Dr. William K. Swann confirmed silicosis directly resulted from this exposure, causing permanent work restrictions. Dr. William K. Rogers also rated Raley with a thirty percent permanent disability due to pulmonary function loss. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment, concluding that Raley was last injuriously exposed to the disease hazard during his ASARCO employment, fulfilling the statutory requirements for benefits.
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