Busse v. Quality Insulation Co.

TODD, Justice.

Karl Busse died of lung cancer related to asbestos exposure and cigarette smoking. He had been employed by several employers over a period of years and had been exposed to asbestos fibers during that time. The Workers’ Compensation Court of Appeals upheld the compensation judge’s finding that Quality Insulation, the last employer, and the insurer on the risk were fully liable for benefits although the employee had only limited exposure to asbestos during this last two months of employment. We reverse.

The employee, Karl Busse, had been employed for many years as a “pipe coverer.”…