A New Leaf, Inc. v. Webb

In this appeal, we decide whether allergic contact dermatitis is compensable as an occupational disease under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act). Because the claimant’s contact dermatitis was caused by a reaction to allergens in certain flowers and not by cumulative trauma induced by repetitive motion, we will affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeals that the condition is compensable under the Act.

I

Elaine Ruth Webb has been employed by A New Leaf, Inc. (A New Leaf), as a florist since October 1993. In 1994, she became the store’s senior florist. Her responsibilities included…