Autoworker Loses Bid to Increase Compensation for Isocyanate Disability

WILMINGTON, Del. - A former autoworker was denied an increase in benefits for what he claimed were permanent muscle and skeletal impairments from coughing spasms linked to exposure to isocyanate fumes. Abrahams v. Chrysler Group LLC, No. 10A-10-0156-MMJ (Del. Super. Ct., New Castle Cty.).

The New Castle County (Del.) Superior Court on Sept. 14 affirmed a decision by Delaware's Industrial Accident Board, which rejected Dwight W. Abrahams' bid to augment benefits he receives for a 25 percent permanent impairment to his lungs.

Abrahams was initially determined to have lung damage from accidental exposure to isocyanate fumes in 2002 while he …