David Thompson vs. Seattle Supersonics, Washington State Department of Labor & Industry

This case involves a professional basketball player's workers' compensation claim for cumulative trauma injury sustained while playing in California for the Seattle Supersonics. The California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded a prior award due to a lack of established personal jurisdiction over the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and a failure to prove the Seattle Supersonics were lawfully insured or self-insured in California. The case is returned to the trial level to determine if the Supersonics met their statutory obligations for workers' compensation coverage in the state. The WCAB will also address remaining contentions regarding apportionment and limitations on liability.