N.C. Appellate Court Affirms Denial of Benefits to Refractory Worker Who Said Silica Exposure Caused Asthma

RALEIGH, N.C. –– A North Carolina appellate court has affirmed the denial of benefits to a former refractory worker who contended that he developed COPD and asthma as a result of exposure to alumina silicate and silica, concluding that he failed to demonstrate that his employment exposed him to a greater risk of developing the illnesses than the public generally.

In the March 6 opinion, the North Carolina Court of Appeals opined that the claimant was, in fact, required to produce expert medical evidence in order to establish his claim.

Willard Briggs says his claim arises out of his …