New Jersey Latex Victim Awarded Continued Medical Treatment
Latex Allergy
A nurse exposed to latex gloves at a New Jersey nursing home has been awarded a Court-approved settlement for continuing medical treatment and medications. The New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation recently approved a settlement for permanent partial disability due to the residuals of her medical condition and has also ordered the workers’ compensation insurance company, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company, to pay for medical treatment and medications required to relieve and cure the medical condition flowing from the employee’s sensitivity to latex products.
LATEX GLOVE EXPOSURE
Because of her exposure to latex gloves, the nurse suffers from headaches, a sinus condition, facial pressure, itching and burning eyes, hives, and a pulmonary condition. Although she has never had an anaphylactic shock, the employee did test positive for latex sensitivity in a RAST test.
CONTINUED MEDICAL TREATMENT
The claim is significant since the Court adopted the individual reaction theory, consistent with most jurisdictions, and placed the responsibility upon the employer where the initial reaction occurred. Additionally, since New Jersey law permits a party to file an Application to Review or Modify a Formal Award within two years of the last payment, the Court retains jurisdiction over the claim if an application is filed within two years of the last authorized medical treatment. Therefore, because of the order for continuing medical treatment, the nurse may theoretically seek an increase in her permanent disability award beyond the usual two-year window. The claim may never be officially closed. Poggi v. Dolly Mount Nursing Home, 98-041031 (NJ Division of Workers’ Compensation) decided May 15, 2000.
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The author, Jon L. Gelman, practices law in Wayne, NJ. He is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (Thomson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (Thomson-Reuters). For over five decades, the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have represented injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Recommended Citation: Gelman, Jon L., New Jersey Latex Victim Awarded Continued Medical Treatment, www.gelmans.com (2000), https://www.gelmans.com/ReadingRoom/tabid/65/ArtMID/1482/ArticleID/905/preview/true/Default.aspx
© 2002-2023 Jon L Gelman. All rights reserved.
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