Kibble v. Weeks Dredging & Construction Co.

The Court’s conclusion that a worker may not knowingly and intelligently waive future dependency claims, unless the worker’s spouse or other beneficiary consents, is contrary to legislative intent and is inconsistent with the long-standing practice by the bar and bench in the Division. Hence, I dissent.

I

Carl Kibble was employed by respondent Weeks Dredging & Construction Co. from September 1980 until March 1984 as a welder/torch cutter. He had worked for other employers in the same capacity from the mid-1950s until 1980. During the course of that employment, Kibble was exposed to chromium,…