ROBERT BAEZA vs. FEDERAL EXPRESS, Permissibly Self-Insured, Administered By SEDGWICK

This case involved a workers' compensation claim where the applicant, Robert Baeza, alleged injury arising out of and in the course of employment. The employer, Federal Express, argued the claim was barred by the "horseplay" defense, as the applicant was shoved by a coworker who admitted to engaging in horseplay. However, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration of the WCJ's findings. The Board found that while the coworker may have been engaged in horseplay, the applicant's reaction did not constitute horseplay, thus the defense was not applicable.