CompFox Logo
AboutWorkflowFeaturesPricingCase LawInsights

Updated Daily

Case Law Database

Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Claim of Eber v. Jawanio, Inc.

The claimant, who had prior work-related injuries in 2001 and 2002, filed a new workers' compensation claim in 2006 for alleged right arm, hand, and wrist injuries from a slip and fall, claiming it aggravated her existing complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The Workers' Compensation Board had previously denied amending the 2002 claim to include CRPS due to insufficient medical evidence. For the 2006 claim, a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge initially established it based on neurologist Walter Nieves' opinion, who diagnosed CRPS. However, the Board rescinded this decision, finding Nieves' opinion insufficient as it was based on subjective complaints rather than objective signs of CRPS. The Appellate Division affirmed the Board's determination, concluding that substantial evidence supported the rejection of Nieves' opinion and the denial of benefits.

Workers' Compensation BenefitsComplex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)Causal RelationMedical Expert TestimonySubjective SymptomsObjective Medical EvidenceWorkers' Compensation Board DecisionAppellate ReviewSubstantial Evidence StandardInjury Aggravation
References
4
Case No. 2019-01-0630
Regular Panel Decision
Oct 28, 2020

Ferguson, Anne Michelle v. Amazon.com, Inc.

Anne Michelle Ferguson, an Amazon employee, sought permanent total disability and medical benefits for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after injuring her left foot at work in October 2017. Amazon contended that benefits should be limited to a foot contusion and sought a credit for overpayment of temporary partial disability benefits. The Court weighed competing medical expert opinions, ultimately giving greater weight to Dr. Dreskin's diagnosis of compensable CRPS. Consequently, the Court awarded Ms. Ferguson permanent partial disability benefits of $8,858.13 and ongoing medical benefits, including access to a panel of CRPS specialists. However, her claim for permanent total disability was denied as she was deemed capable of sedentary work, and Amazon received a credit for previously overpaid temporary benefits.

Workers' CompensationPermanent Partial DisabilityComplex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)Medical BenefitsVocational DisabilityMaximum Medical Improvement (MMI)Temporary Partial DisabilityPain ManagementMedical Expert TestimonyFoot Injury
References
5
Case No. ADJ8731635
Regular
Apr 02, 2019

Daissy Contreras vs. CRESTWOOD BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

The Appeals Board granted reconsideration and rescinded the prior award, finding the medical record inadequate to determine applicant's claim of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). While some physicians noted symptoms consistent with CRPS, the Agreed Medical Examiner (AME) found no objective evidence. The Board ordered the matter returned to the trial level for further development of the medical record by appointing a pain management specialist. This new evaluation will aim to diagnose the applicant's right upper extremity condition and determine its industrial causation.

Complex Regional Pain SyndromeCRPSskin injuryrashcumulative traumaAgreed Medical ExaminerAMEskin conditionright upper extremitypain management specialist
References
4
Case No. ADJ9176746, ADJ10288149
Regular
Jan 05, 2018

ANA MARIA ROCHA vs. GREEN VALLEY CHRISTIAN CENTER, CHURCH MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

This case involves Ana Maria Rocha's petition for reconsideration of a Workers' Compensation Appeals Board decision. The Board denied reconsideration, adopting the Administrative Law Judge's report. The applicant's primary contentions involved a separate psychological injury, her CRPS classification, apportionment of disability, and future medical treatment for her neck and back. The Judge found no separate psychological injury, that medical opinions on CRPS classification were for physicians, that apportionment was supported by substantial evidence regarding pre-existing conditions, and that further medical treatment was not warranted for her neck and back.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationDeniedAdministrative Law JudgePsychological InjuryPermanent DisabilityApportionmentCRPSWhole Person ImpairmentAMA Guides
References
3
Case No. ADJ7376647 (1-ARB-130005)
Regular
Apr 25, 2016

Christopher Santi vs. Contra Costa Electric, Zurich Insurance Co.

The applicant seeks reconsideration of an arbitrator's decision concerning a July 2009 industrial injury. The applicant argues the arbitrator erred by not considering his Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) diagnosis, which treating and defense physicians link to $100\%$ permanent total disability. The applicant also challenges the apportionment of psychiatric disability, contending the QME's report lacks substantial evidence. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the original award, and returned the case for further proceedings to allow the arbitrator to review critical evidence, specifically the deposition of the applicant's treating physician, and to address the CRPS findings.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardChronic Regional Pain SyndromeApportionmentQualified Medical ExaminerDepositionsMedical EvidencePermanent DisabilityTrial Level
References
1
Case No. 02-11-00147-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Apr 26, 2012

Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company v. Gene Swanigan

This case involves an appeal by Charter Oak Fire Insurance Company regarding a workers' compensation claim filed by Gene Swanigan. Swanigan sustained a work-related finger injury on May 18, 2006, subsequently diagnosed as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) by his treating physicians. While Charter Oak accepted the initial injury, it disputed the extension to RSD/CRPS, leading to administrative and district court proceedings. A jury in Tarrant County found Swanigan's injury to be the producing cause of his condition. On appeal, the Second District of Texas, Fort Worth, affirmed the trial court's judgment, concluding that legally sufficient evidence supported the jury's findings.

Workers' CompensationReflex Sympathetic DystrophyComplex Regional Pain SyndromeMedical CausationExpert WitnessSufficiency of EvidenceJury FindingPain ManagementWorkplace InjuryInsurance Dispute
References
27
Case No. 2020 NY Slip Op 00657
Regular Panel Decision
Jan 30, 2020

Matter of Dibenedetto v. Rochester City Sch. Dist.

Claimant Claire Dibenedetto, who suffered a work-related left shoulder injury in 2012, sought to amend her workers' compensation claim to include consequential Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in her left and right upper extremities. A Workers' Compensation Law Judge initially approved the amendment and related medical treatments, but the Workers' Compensation Board subsequently modified this decision, ruling that CRPS was not established and adjusting the disability rate. The Board also resolved disputed medical bills and denied further injections against the claimant. Upon appeal, the Appellate Division reversed the Board's decisions and remitted the matter for further proceedings. The court found that the Board's determination might have been based on an incomplete review of the record, specifically failing to consider a crucial medical report from a physician at the Cleveland Clinic.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)Consequential InjuryMedical Evidence ReviewDisability DeterminationAppellate RemittalIndependent Medical Examination (IME)Pain Management TreatmentClaim AmendmentBoard DiscretionCredibility Assessment
References
7
Case No. 2018 NY Slip Op 04413 [162 AD3d 1286]
Regular Panel Decision
Jun 14, 2018

Matter of Tobin v. Finger Lakes DDSO

Kristi M. Tobin, a support aide, sustained injuries in April 2012 after being assaulted by a client, leading to a workers' compensation claim established for various injuries including reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)/complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) of her right face. A Workers' Compensation Law Judge initially awarded schedule loss of use for vision loss and facial disfigurement. The Workers' Compensation Board reversed this decision, classifying claimant's RSD/CRPS and ptosis as a nonschedule permanent partial disability under Workers' Compensation Law § 15 (3) (w), rescinding the prior awards, and remitting the case for further record development regarding loss of wage-earning capacity. The Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed the Board's determination, finding substantial medical evidence supported the nonschedulable permanent partial disability classification due to the claimant's ongoing chronic pain and worsening ptosis, consistent with not receiving both schedule loss of use and nonschedule permanent partial disability awards for the same work-related accident.

Workers' Compensation LawPermanent Partial DisabilitySchedule Loss of UseReflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)Facial DisfigurementWage-Earning CapacityAppellate ReviewMedical EvidenceSubstantial Evidence
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Texas Department of Insurance, Workers' Compensation Division v. De Los Santos

Roel De Los Santos, a heavy equipment operator, sustained work-related injuries to both wrists in 1987 and 1994, leading to multiple surgeries and a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS I) in both hands and arms. After the Division of Workers’ Compensation denied his claim for lifetime income benefits (LIBs) against Texas Mutual Insurance Company, De Los Santos sought judicial review. The trial court reversed the Division's decision, finding that De Los Santos's 1994 injury extended to CRPS I and insomnia, and that he permanently lost the use of both hands, entitling him to LIBs from the Subsequent Injury Fund. The Division appealed, challenging the sufficiency of evidence for LIBs and the trial court's jurisdiction to order the Fund to pay directly. The appellate court affirmed De Los Santos's entitlement to LIBs, finding sufficient medical evidence of total and permanent loss of hand use, but modified the judgment to remove the direct order for the Subsequent Injury Fund to pay, instructing De Los Santos to present the judgment to the Fund for payment through proper administrative procedure.

Workers' CompensationLifetime Income BenefitsComplex Regional Pain SyndromeCRPS IHand InjuryWork-Related InjuryJudicial ReviewSubsequent Injury FundSufficiency of EvidenceMedical Testimony
References
21
Case No. ADJ363747 (RDG 0125429)
Regular
May 05, 2009

CAROLYN BETTIS vs. SISKIYOU DEVELOPMENT CO. INC., STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The WCAB granted reconsideration, rescinded the July 15, 2009 Findings and Award, and returned the matter for a new decision consistent with Dr. Horner's medical opinion which found that the applicant's CRPS was not industrially caused.

Complex Regional Pain SyndromeCRPSindustrial causationsubstantial evidencequalified medical evaluatorpermanent and stationary datetemporary disabilitywhole person impairmentmedical opinionburden of proof
References
8
Showing 1-10 of 22 results

Ready to streamline your practice?

Apply these legal strategies instantly. CompFox helps you find decisions, analyze reports, and draft pleadings in minutes.

CompFox Logo

The AI standard for workers' compensation professionals. Faster research, deeper analysis, better outcomes.

Product

  • Platform
  • Workflow
  • Features
  • Pricing

Solutions

  • Defense Firms
  • Applicants' Attorneys
  • Insurance carriers
  • Medical Providers

Company

  • About
  • Insights
  • Case Law

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Trust
  • Cookies
  • Subscription

© 2026 CompFox Inc. All rights reserved.

Systems Operational