Opinion ID: 2106213
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Does A Worker Compensation Policy Cover Benefits Under Sec. 66.191, Stats.?

Text: The company contends that while the city may be liable to Mrs. Luzaich for benefits under sec. 66.191, Stats. the company is not. The company argues that the standard worker's compensation policy does not cover claims under sec. 66.191, Stats. We disagree. This exact argument was considered and rejected by this court in Manitowoc v. Iowa National Mut. Ins. Co., 68 Wis.2d 722, 229 N.W.2d 577 (1975). In Manitowoc the widow of a fireman claimed benefits under sec. 66.191, Stats., and the insurance company contended that such benefits were not covered by the standard worker's compensation policy. This court rejected that argument because the policy coverage referred to . . . any occupational disease law. Manitowoc at 68 Wis.2d 722, 724. The policy in this case contains the same language. [3] The company, in effect, is asking this court to overrule Manitowoc. The company's main argument supporting that result is that sec. 66.191, Stats., is a pension statute, and not a worker's compensation statute. This argument was raised in Manitowoc by the insurance company and by the Wisconsin Compensation Rating Bureau, the latter organization appearing as amicus curiae. We found the argument unpersuasive. Manitowoc at 68 Wis. 2d 725. Sec. 66.191, is not a pension statute and claims under that statute are covered by the standard worker's compensation policy. By the Court. Judgment affirmed.