Excel Polymers, LLC v. Broyles
Richard Broyles, an employee of Excel Polymers, LLC for 29 years, developed usual interstitial pneumonitis (UIP), a lung disease, which his treating physician attributed to workplace silica exposure. The trial court found Mr. Broyles suffered a compensable occupational disease and awarded him permanent total disability benefits. After Mr. Broyles' death post-judgment, Excel Polymers appealed, challenging the expert testimony on causation and the occupational disease finding. The Tennessee Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's decision regarding the admissibility of Dr. Hansen's testimony and the finding of a compensable occupational disease. The Court remanded the case to the trial court for a determination of Mr. Broyles' legal dependents and any associated death benefits.