Legal Definitions - last-injurious-exposure rule

The last-injurious-exposure rule, also known as the last-employer rule, is a legal doctrine that determines liability for occupational injuries or illnesses. According to this rule, the employer who exposed the worker to the harmful substance just before the onset of the disease or injury is responsible for providing compensation.

For example, if a worker was exposed to asbestos while working for Company A, but did not develop mesothelioma until working for Company B, the last-injurious-exposure rule would hold Company B responsible for providing workers' compensation benefits.

This rule is commonly used in workers' compensation cases to determine which employer is responsible for providing benefits to an injured worker. It helps to ensure that workers receive the compensation they need to cover medical expenses and lost wages resulting from workplace injuries or illnesses.