New Jersey Supreme Court Decision Favors Firefighters

The New Jersey Supreme Court in a unanimous decision decided two cases in favor of firefighters who made compensation claims alleging pulmonary disabilities as a result of their years of service. The Defendant’s agreed that the firefighters should be precluded from collecting compensation because they both were smokers. The Supreme Court disagreed and approved the payment of compensation benefits because the firefighters were able to prove that even though they were smokers, their work as a firefighter contributed to their overall breathing problems.

This decision was a victory for all employees who may file claims alleging breathing problems as a result of their jobs.