Edward Bros. v. Labor & Industry Review Commission

¶ 1. The question in this case is whether the dependents of a deceased worker are entitled to death benefits under the worker's compensation law when the worker's death occurred before the level of permanent partial disability could be formally established. The Labor and Industry Review Commission held that David Vanderzee's dependents were entitled to the benefit, and Edward Brothers and its insurer appealed to the circuit court. The circuit court reversed the Commission, holding that because Vanderzee died before his disability benefit could be determined, his dependents could not receive…