M. Kummel, Medicolegal Aspects of Silicosis (1934)

A reprint of "Medicolegal Aspects of Silicosis" by Dr. M. Kummel, a physician and member of the New Jersey bar in Newark, from the Medical Record of May 16, 1934. Kummel described the "constantly growing countrywide wave of lawsuits" over silicosis and covered its cause, pathology, diagnosis, stages, prognosis, prevention and compensation, urging remedial legislation. He listed asbestosis among the dust diseases of the lungs.

What it shows

Kummel warned that employers without proper dust protection could be held liable, quoting the rule that "an employer contracts with his employee to use reasonable diligence to protect him from unnecessary risks." He recommended pre-employment and periodic physical and X-ray examinations of dust workers. A copy was kept in Raybestos-Manhattan's files. See also Silicosis.

In Johns-Manville's index

Johns-Manville's attorneys indexed the Sumner Simpson Papers. Their index describes this document as follows:

"Medico legal Aspects of Silicosis." Discusses symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis and exposure factors relating to silicosis. Reference to asbestos dust exposure causing asbestosis and exposure to asbestos dust intensifying silicosis. Report stresses employers must use reasonable diligence to protect employees from unnecessary risks or they may be held responsible for the damages which ensue.

About this copy

This is document 02015-02034 of the Sumner Simpson Papers, as numbered in the collection's index.