Favor v. Department of Labor & Industries

The issue presented in this case is whether a coronary occlusion caused by emotional stress and strain (anxiety and worry) is an occupational disease as defined in the workmen’s compensation act of the state of Washington. The definition is found in RCW 51.08.140 and is “such disease or infection as rises naturally and proximately out of extrahazardous employment.”

The facts are: The claimant started working in the state department of agriculture in 1949 as a cattle-brand inspector and a commission-merchant inspector covering Asotin and Whitman counties. Tn 1952 a regulatory division was…