Court Affirms Denial of Benefits, Says Widow's Claim Untimely

CLEVELAND - An Ohio appellate court has affirmed summary judgment for Ford Motor Co. in a widow's workers' compensation suit, finding that the plaintiff failed to file her benefits claim within two years of her husband's mesothelioma-related death. Varner, et al. v. Ford Motor Co., et al., No. 88390 (Ohio Ct. App., 8th Dist.).

The Eighth Appellate District also said in its May 31 finding that Yvonne Varner relied on a case involving wrongful death claims, which is inapplicable to workers' compensation claims.

Varner says that her husband, John Varner, was exposed to asbestos while employed at Ford and developed …