Gibbs v. General Motors Corp.

Defendant, General Motors Corporation, Chevrolet Grey Iron Division, appeals from a Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (WCAB) decision finding that plaintiff, James E. Gibbs, has a work-related disability. The WCAB directed defendant to pay plaintiff $79 weekly benefits. GM sought leave to appeal which was granted pursuant to GCR 1963, 806.2.

Plaintiff was employed by GM in 1968 and worked in its foundry where he was exposed to dust, fumes and gas. In 1971, plaintiffs’ employment with GM was terminated when he was arrested and convicted of the homicide of his wife. Plaintiff was incarcerated…