Pipefitter's Pleural Plaques Do Not Constitute Disabling Injury, Court Holds

ALBANY, N.Y. - A New York appeals court has upheld a ruling that denied a former pipefitter compensation for an asbestos-related injury marked by pleural plaques that a workers' compensation board determined were not disabling. In the Matter of the Claim of Richard H. McCaffrey v. James L. Lewis, Inc., et al., No. 91971 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., App. Div., Third Dept.).

In a brief opinion issued Jan. 16, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department affirmed a ruling that rescinded a previous determination that Richard H. McCaffrey was entitled to benefits for his work-related asbestosis.

McCaffrey worked as …