Teacher Loses Appeal for Benefits for Alleged Workplace Exposure

TRENTON, N.J. - A teacher has failed to persuade a New Jersey appeals court to overturn an administrative law judge's decision and award her benefits for her allegedly work-related respiratory disease. Thomas v. Newark Public Schools System, No. A-4877-07T1 (N.J. Super. Ct., App. Div.).

The New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division ruled July 16 that Ernestine Thomas failed to make a prima facie showing that her asthma and other respiratory problems were the result of workplace exposure to mold and other toxins.

Thomas was employed by the Newark (N.J.) Public School System from 1984 until 2000, when she left, …