Wis. Court Affirms Benefits For Worker Disabled by Manganese Exposure

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin’s Court of Appeals has affirmed permanent partial disability benefits for a laborer who claimed that his proximity to co-workers’ welding activities led to manganese-related neurological injuries.

The court found Nov. 29 against Hooper Corp. and Travelers Property Casualty Co. of America, which challenged Ronald D. Koerner’s claimed exposures as unsupported by the evidence, saying it relied on Koerner’s testimony and opinions offered by neurologist Dr. Paul Nausieda.

Koerner sought workers’ compensation benefits in 2008, claiming manganese poisoning from “prolonged exposure to welding materials” while working as a laborer and assisting in welding operations. Koerner also performed …