Foundry Worker Can't Recover for Lung Cancer Absent Silicosis

MADISON, Wis. - A state workers' compensation appeals board has affirmed a ruling denying benefits to a former aluminum worker who, despite never being diagnosed with silicosis, claimed his exposure to silica caused him to develop lung cancer. Alonzo v. Aluminum Casting & Engineering, et al., No. 2001-047415 (Wis. LIRC).

The Wisconsin Labor and Industry Review Commission issued its ruling Aug. 7, affirming the decision of a state administrative law judge who cited the lack of evidence of silicosis as his reason for denying claims that the worker's cancer resulted from his occupational exposure to silica.

Claimant John Alonzo worked …