Gallagher v. National Grid USA/Narragansett Electric

OPINION

Chief Justice SUTTELL,

for the Court.

In 2004, Dennis Gallagher was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, an “occupational disease,” 1 ultimately succumbing to the disease. A trial judge of the Workers’ Compensation Court entered decrees holding USGEN New England, Inc. (USGEN) liable to pay benefits to Mr. Gallagher and to his wife, Maureen Gallagher, as Mr. Gallagher’s “last employer” under G.L.1956 § 28-S4-8. 2 The Appellate Division of the Workers’ Compensation Court (Appellate Division) vacated those decrees and entered final decrees assessing liability against National Grid…