Louis Panzino, Petitioner-Appellant v. Continental Can Company, Respondent-Respondent

Summary

The New Jersey Supreme Court held that the 1974 amendment to the Workmen's Compensation Act applies retroactively, allowing petitioner Louis Panzino's claim filed within two years of his discovery of occupational hearing loss to proceed. The Court reversed the Appellate Division and reinstated the Compensation Division's award, rejecting the respondent's vested‑right defense and due‑process challenge. Justice Schreiber dissented, arguing the amendment should not be applied retroactively.