N.J. Admin. Code § 12:235-7.8

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 12:235-7.8 - Asbestos exposure claims under N.J.S.A 34:15-33.3

(a) After due diligence, as defined in (b) below, an application may be filed with the UEF for compensation for asbestosis or asbestos-induced cancer, including mesothelioma, resulting in injury or death from exposure to asbestos where:

1. The workers' compensation insurance carrier of the employer, the employer, or the principals of the employer where the employee was last exposed cannot be located or the employee worked for more than one employer during the time the exposure to asbestos may reasonably be deemed to have taken place but the employer or employers where the employee was last exposed cannot reasonably be identified;

2. The claim petition was pending on or filed after January 14, 2004, and had not been concluded or dismissed prior to that date; and

3. Compensation is based on the last date of exposure if known, or if such date cannot be known, on an appropriate date established by the judge of workers' compensation, pursuant to 34:15-33.3(d).

(b) "Due diligence" shall be defined as a reasonable effort on the part of the petitioner or the petitioner's attorney, given the particular facts and circumstances of the case, to determine the identities of the carrier of the employer, the employer, and/or the principals of the employer where the employee was last exposed to asbestos, as well as the identities of any other carriers, employers, and/or principals of other employers that may be liable for benefits. Such efforts shall be listed in the certification required under 12:235-7.9 and shall include, unless explained under 12:235-7.9(b), the following:

1. Inquiries made to the Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau to ascertain the workers' compensation insurance coverage of such employers;

2. Acquisition and review of the employee's Social Security earnings history for the period or periods during which the employee was exposed to asbestos;

3. Review of the employee's Federal and State income tax returns for the period or periods during which the employee was exposed to asbestos;

4. Acquisition and review of labor union records and/or pension plan records maintained for the employee for the period or periods during which the employee was exposed to asbestos;

5. Review of the employee's medical records during and subsequent to the period during which the employee was exposed to asbestos;

6. Review of any personal records maintained by the employee with respect to employment for the period or periods during which the employee was exposed to asbestos; and

7. Any other efforts by the petitioner or the petitioner's attorney to establish due diligence.

(c) The UEF may without motion take the deposition of a petitioner and/or other individuals that may have information relevant to the application.

(d) In (a) above, the UEF shall have subrogation and lien rights including those provided by 34:15-33.3(b) and (c).

N.J. Admin. Code § 12:235-7.8

New Rule, R.2005 d.161, effective 5/16/2005.
See: 37 New Jersey Register 385(c), 37 New Jersey Register 1738(a).