PROPERTY DAMAGE AS A
RESULT OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT (RCW 51.36.020)
Breast implant
The replacement of a breast implant is not covered by RCW 51.36.020. Rather, a worker is entitled to this procedure as treatment for the residuals of the industrial injury which deflated the original implant. ....Patsy Schmitz, 68,429 (1986) [dissent]
Eyeglasses
Damage to eyeglasses is compensable only if the damage was incidental to an accident involving the worker's person. The eyeglasses must have been serving as a body substitute, performing a bodily function, i.e., the worker must have been wearing them at the time the damage occurred, in order for the coverage of RCW 51.36.020 to apply. ....R. J. VanDemark, 43,729 (1974)
The term "industrial accident" in RCW 51.36.020(4) includes an incident resulting only in property damage. Injury to the person is therefore not a prerequisite for compensation for the cost of repairing eyeglasses damaged in the course of employment. ....Helen Adams, 39,929 (1971)