Nurse Compensated for Sensitivity to Co-Worker's Perfume

TRENTON, N.J. - A part-time nurse who claimed that a co-worker's perfume severely exacerbated her pre-existing breathing difficulties is entitled to work-related benefits, a New Jersey appellate court has ruled. Sexton v. County of Cumberland/Cumberland Manor, No. A-6414-06T1 (N.J. Super. Ct., App. Div.).

The sole issue in the appeal of a worker's compensation decision was whether Doris Sexton's illness resulted from her employment, the Superior Court's Appellate Division said in its Jan. 9 decision to reverse the lower court.

Sexton sought benefits after her exposure to perfume sprayed by a co-worker on three occasions during Sexton's shift on Jan. 3, …