Austin Challenges Comp Benefits for Firefighter with Cancer

An Austin firefighter who was awarded job-related workers compensation benefits for cancer is now facing a court challenge by the city. Lieutenant Carrie Stewart was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. She was awarded comp benefits initially, and that decision was upheld by a three judge panel from the Texas Department of Insurance-Division of Workers’ Compensation.

The city is now challenging that decision by appealing it to court.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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