Overview
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Gage v. New Amsterdam Brewery
Adam Gage worked for the New Amsterdam Brewery for four years, from 2015-2019. Although Gage was not an alcoholic when he began his employment, the condition developed during the time he worked at the brewery and he became unable to work in 2019. Gage contends that he is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits from New Amsterdam. He asserts that his alcoholism “arose out of the course of his employment” with the brewery and resulted in his disability. New Amsterdam claims that alcoholism is an “ordinary disease of life” and that it is not responsible for Mr. Gage’s disabling condition. Mr. Gage responds that even if New Amsterdam did not cause his disability, working at the brewery probably “triggered” and at least contributed to and aggravated his condition.
Is Gage entitled to workers’ compensation benefits? Explain.