Plasters v. Industrial Commission

On November 20, 1985, Lee Plasters (claimant) filed an application for adjustment of claim pursuant to the Workers’ Occupational Diseases Act (Act) (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 48, par. 172.36 et seq.). Claimant alleged that his heart and lungs were impaired due to the inhalation of coal and rock dust which occurred while he was employed with Old Ben Coal Company (employer). The arbitrator found that the claimant was permanently and totally disabled, and the employer appealed the award to the Industrial Commission (Commission). The Commission affirmed the finding of disability but modified the…