A Tennessee court has ruled in the case of Michael Brendan Hodge v. Alcoa, Inc. and Arconic Corp., ordering the companies to provide ongoing medical treatment for Hodge's occupational illnesses. However, the court denied Hodge's request for temporary total disability benefits. This decision is significant for workers' compensation claims related to occupational diseases and could impact similar cases in the future.
The case, filed under docket numbers 2025-30-5257 and 2025-30-5259, centers on Hodge's claims of cognitive impairments, vision loss, and a cerebral meningioma, which he attributes to his exposure to hazardous materials while working for Alcoa and Arconic. The ruling was issued by Judge Pamela B. Johnson of the Tennessee Court of Workers' Compensation Claims on October 22, 2026.
Background
Michael Hodge worked as a brick mason for Alcoa and Arconic from September 2002 until April 2016. His job involved rebuilding baking furnaces used in the aluminum manufacturing process, which exposed him to coal tar pitch and other toxic substances. In January 2024, Hodge filed a petition for benefits, claiming cognitive impairments due to an injury he dated to December 27, 2023. He later amended his petition to include a cerebral meningioma and vision loss, citing an injury date of August 21, 2024.
After voluntarily dismissing his case in July 2025, Alcoa and Arconic filed reverse petitions seeking dismissal of Hodge's claims, arguing they were barred by the statute of limitations and did not arise from his employment. Hodge countered with petitions for medical monitoring due to his occupational exposures. In the first expedited hearing, the court found Hodge likely to prevail in his claims, establishing that his conditions were likely caused by his work.
The Ruling
In the recent ruling, the court ordered Alcoa and Arconic to provide Hodge with a panel of primary care physicians for ongoing treatment. The court found that Hodge had established a likelihood of success in proving that his occupational illnesses arose primarily out of his employment. Judge Johnson stated, "The opinions of Dr. Kouser and Dr. Hauge are insufficient to overcome the weight of the opinions of Dr. Hussein, Dr. Salekin, and Dr. Chiodo," who all supported Hodge's claims.
While the court ordered the companies to continue providing treatment, it denied Hodge's request for temporary total disability benefits. The court noted that Hodge failed to prove his average weekly wage and compensation rate, which are necessary for awarding disability benefits. Judge Johnson concluded, "Mr. Hodge has not satisfied his burden to show the correct compensation rate," leading to the denial of his request.
Impact
This ruling has important implications for workers' compensation cases involving occupational diseases. It emphasizes the necessity for clear medical opinions linking workplace exposure to health conditions. The court's reliance on the opinions of Dr. Hussein and Dr. Salekin, who directly connected Hodge's illnesses to his employment, sets a precedent for future cases where workers seek compensation for similar ailments.
Moreover, the decision highlights the challenges employees face in proving their cases, particularly regarding the burden of proof for disability benefits. The court's findings may encourage other workers with occupational diseases to pursue their claims, knowing that the court is willing to consider expert medical opinions seriously.
What's Next
Hodge and Alcoa/Arconic may appeal the decision. If they choose to do so, they must file a notice of appeal within seven business days of the ruling. The parties are scheduled to appear for a status hearing on February 8, 2027, to discuss the next steps in the case.