Kocher v. Director, Office of Workers' Compensation Program

MEMORANDUM **

Petitioner’s husband was an employee of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, where he was exposed to asbestos fibers in the early 1940s. He was exposed to enough asbestos fibers that they could have caused asbestosis. He died on January 3, 2007 from complications related to coronary bypass and aortic valve replacement surgery. His widow, Helen Kocher, filed a death benefits claim against Bethlehem Steel and the other respondents under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (Longshore Act). After a formal hearing, the administrative law judge (ALJ) dismissed the claim. Kocher…