Court Opinion

ID: 9651511
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 16:21:13.57216+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T13:28:10.389004
License: Public Domain

Kenison, G. J.,
concurring specially. The majority opinion scratches the top of the workmen’s compensation iceberg in cardiac cases. The problem is more acute in cardiac cases because cardiovascular diseases account for more than 54% of deaths from all causes and more than 27 million are living with some form of cardiovascular illness. American Heart Association, Heart Facts 4-5 (P.R.-33 (1970 ) ). The relationship of strain on the heart was considered by a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Paul Dudley White which concluded that it found “... no method, either clinical or pathological, of determining the causative relationship between any given event and typical coronary thrombosis with infarct. ” Report of the Committee on the Effect of Strain and Trauma on the Heart and Great Vessels, 26 Circulation 612, 617 (1962). As a practical matter this means that industry will pay for “... the cost of a substantial number of heart attacks whose connection with work is probably coincidental rather than causal. ” Thornton, Heart Attacks and Workmen’s Compensation-A General View, 1968 Proc. ABA Sect, of Insurance, Negligence, and Compensation Law 276, 284; Wilentz, Workmen’s Compensation Problems: Causal Relationship in Cardiac Deaths, 14 J. of Forensic Sciences 302 (1969 ).
It is important that the employee receive protection from heart attacks in industry but it is equally important that in the process we do not unduly discourage the employability of known cardiacs. “ The acceptance of a heart claim as industrial may assist one individual by the receipt of a medical and monetary award and, at die same time, erect a barrier to employment for many others with discernible heart conditions. ” Bell, The Heart and Workmen’s Compensation, 1968 Proc. ABA Sect, of Insurance, Negligence, and Compensation Law, 271, 274. As claims in cardiac cases by employees increase, the waiver of workmen’s compensation ( RSA 281:12-a) may be a more constant requirement *256by the employer and the net gain becomes questionable. Note, Workmen’s Compensation: Recovery for Pleart Attack-Waiver Needed, 22 Okla. L. Rev. 345, 355 (1969). See Aladits v. Simmons Co., 47 N.J. 115, 124-25, 219 A.2d 517, 522; Woods, The Heart Attack in Workmen’s Compensation, 16 Ark. L. Rev. 214,233(1962).
The problem is difficult as it is important but it is one that deserves the continuing consideration and study of those interested in workmen’s compensation and related benefits and warrants the brief outline statement included herein. Hellmuth and Hellmuth, Heart Attack and Workmen’s Compensation: Model Rules of Practice, 4 The Forum 113 (1969 ); McNeice, Heart Disease and the Law 110-12 (1961); 1A Larson, Workmen’s Compensation i. 38.83 (1966 ).
Griffith, J., joined in concurring specially.