Bernardoni v. Industrial Commission

I. INTRODUCTION

Alleging that she developed respiratory illness and chemical sensitivity while working for employer, Huntsman Chemical Company, claimant, Arlene Bernardoni, filed an application for adjustment of claim under the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act (Act) (820 ILCS 310/1 et seq. (West 1994)). An arbitrator awarded claimant $13,309 in medical expenses and found that she was permanently and totally disabled. The Industrial Commission (Commission) disagreed with the arbitrator and found instead that claimant’s smoking caused her condition, which was temporarily aggravated by a…