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. ADJ14723140
Regular
Aug 08, 2025

Phillip Howlett, et al. vs. California Highway Patrol, State Compensation Insurance Fund

Defendant California Highway Patrol sought reconsideration of a 'Findings and Award' which applied a presumption of compensability for cancer, resulting in the applicant's death. Defendant argued it had rebutted the presumption and that applicant's subsequent employer, University of California Police Department, was liable. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration to correct technical errors in the original F&A, rescinding and reissuing it without substantive changes. The Board affirmed that the Labor Code section 3212.1 cancer presumption applied to CHP employment and was not rebutted. It further clarified that the presumption does not extend to the University of California Police Department, and the defendant provided no evidence of causation under traditional analysis for the subsequent employer.

ADJ14723140Phillip HowlettCalifornia Highway Patrollegally uninsuredState Compensation Insurance FundPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardLabor Code Section 3212.1cancerpresumption of compensability
References
2
Case No. ADJ6671169
Regular
Oct 16, 2013

Christian Fauria vs. Carolina Panthers, Great Divide Insurance Co., Berkley Specialty Underwriting Managers, LLC, Washington Redskins, ESIS Insurance, New England Patriots, Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., Travelers Indemnity Co., Golf Insurance Co., Seattle Seahawks

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded a prior award finding California jurisdiction over Christian Fauria's claim due to lack of "regular employment" in California, as defined by Labor Code Section 3600.5(a). The case was remanded to the trial level to determine if jurisdiction exists based on injuries sustained within California or if the contract of hire was made in California, as per Labor Code Section 5305. The WCAB also instructed the judge to address all issues, including apportionment and liability periods under Labor Code Section 5500.5. The decision highlights the need for substantial evidence to establish jurisdiction and injury contribution within the state.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardChristian FauriaProfessional AthleteIndustrial InjuryPermanent DisabilityFurther Medical TreatmentLabor Code Section 3600.5(a)Statute of LimitationsLabor Code Section 5500.5Jurisdiction
References
29
Case No. ADJ4400372 (SAC 0282814)
Regular
May 08, 2009

MICHAEL GRIFFIN vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration and reversed the WCJ's denial of the applicant's petition to reopen. The Board found that the applicant established good cause to reopen for new and further disability related to his left thumb and heart injuries sustained during his employment with the California Highway Patrol. Substantial medical evidence supported the cumulative trauma to the left thumb and the presumption under Labor Code section 3212.3 applied to the heart injury. The case was returned to the trial level for further proceedings.

ReconsiderationPetition to ReopenNew and Further DisabilityGood CauseLabor Code Section 3212.3Presumption StatuteIndustrial CausationCumulative TraumaStipulated AwardLeft Thumb Injury
References
4
Case No. ADJ8691809
Regular
Apr 14, 2017

NICOLE BORAGNO vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA, CDCR - CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WOMEN'S FACILITY CHOWCHILLA, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND/STATE CONTRACT SERVICES

This case involves Nicole Boragno's workers' compensation claim against the State of California, CDCR. The applicant sought reconsideration of a decision denying the admission of a supplemental medical report. The WCAB denied reconsideration, adopting the WCJ's report which found the supplemental report inadmissible. This was because discovery had closed at the mandatory settlement conference, and the defendant failed to establish good cause for introducing evidence not previously disclosed. The WCJ noted there was no change in circumstances to warrant the late-filed report, distinguishing it from precedent that allows such reports.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARDPetition for Reconsiderationmandatory settlement conferencediscovery closureLabor Code section 5502(d)(3)good causesupplemental reportPQMEapportionmenttimeliness
References
2
Case No. ADJ1034572
Regular
Apr 08, 2013

TROY BOWEN vs. REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration of a decision by an Administrative Law Judge (WCJ). The applicant, Troy Bowen, alleged his employer, the Regents of the University of California, violated Labor Code § 132a by retaliating against him, leading to his termination. The WCJ found the applicant's allegations of discrimination and his version of events not credible. The Board adopted the WCJ's report, deferring to the judge's credibility determinations, and found no violation of Labor Code § 132a based on the evidence.

Labor Code § 132aPetition for ReconsiderationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJcredibility determinationdiscriminationretaliatory conductterminationrestricted areaindustrial injury
References
5
Case No. ADJ10908110
Regular
Mar 06, 2019

SHAKE KHACHATRIAN vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, Legally Uninsured, Adjusted by STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case concerns an applicant's claim for psychiatric injury. The defendant did not deny liability within 90 days, creating a presumption of compensability under Labor Code section 5402(b). However, the Board held that this presumption does not preclude the defendant from presenting evidence to support a lawful, good faith personnel action defense under Labor Code section 3208.3(h). This defense is considered exempt from the 90-day investigatory limitation, allowing the defendant to present all competent evidence regardless of when it was obtained. The case is therefore returned to the trial level for a new decision on the merits of the personnel action defense.

Labor Code section 5402presumption of compensabilityLabor Code section 3208.3(h)good faith personnel actionreasonable diligencecumulative industrial injurypsychiatric injuryDWC-1 claim formsubstantial causejudicial interpretation
References
9
Case No. ADJ8981807
Regular
Feb 04, 2019

ALEXANDRA SANDOVAL vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RECEPTION CENTER AND REHABILITATION, Legally Uninsured; STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case involved Alexandra Sandoval's workers' compensation claim against the State of California. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied Sandoval's Petition for Reconsideration. The Board adopted the WCJ's findings, giving great weight to their credibility determination of the witness. The decision hinges on the interpretation of Labor Code Section 5412, specifically the date an employee has knowledge of a cumulative injury being work-related. The Board found no substantial evidence to overturn the WCJ's determination regarding this knowledge.

Labor Code § 5412date of injurycumulative injurytemporary disabilitypermanent disabilitystatute of limitationscredibility determinationWCJ reportmedical advicereasonable diligence
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of 360networks (USA) Inc. v. Public Utilities Commission of California (In Re 360networks (USA) Inc.)

The Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of 360networks (USA) Inc. (Debtors) initiated an adversary proceeding against the Public Utilities Commission of the State of California (CPUC) seeking to avoid certain fee payments as preferential transfers under the Bankruptcy Code. The CPUC moved to dismiss the action, asserting Eleventh Amendment sovereign immunity and arguing the court lacked jurisdiction. Judge Allan L. Gropper denied the CPUC's motion, concluding that the court holds in rem jurisdiction over the debtor's property in a preference action. The Court determined that the exercise of this jurisdiction would not offend state sovereignty, citing various forms of potential relief available, including the disallowance of claims by other California state instrumentalities.

Bankruptcy LawSovereign ImmunityEleventh AmendmentIn Rem JurisdictionPreference ActionMotion to DismissPublic Utilities CommissionCalifornia Environmental Quality ActDebtor-Creditor RelationsFederal Jurisdiction
References
45
Case No. ADJ11174645
Regular
Dec 31, 2019

RAYMOND LEONG vs. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF\nTRANSPORTATION, STATE COMPENSATION\nINSURANCE FUND

This case involves a workers' compensation claim for psychiatric injury aggravation filed by Raymond Leong against the California Department of Transportation. The defendant sought reconsideration of an Amended Findings and Award, arguing the claim was not compensable under Labor Code section 3208.3 and challenging the medical evidence. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration solely to correct a typographical error regarding the employer's insurance status. The Board otherwise affirmed the administrative law judge's decision, finding the injury compensable and the PQME's report substantial evidence.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCalifornia Department of TransportationState Compensation Insurance FundAmended Findings and Awardworkers' compensation administrative law judgePetition for Reconsiderationinjury arising out of and in the course of employmentpsychiatric conditionLabor Code section 3208.3panel qualified medical evaluator
References
0
Case No. ADJ9883212
Regular
May 19, 2018

LADONNA PALEGA vs. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case concerns a California Highway Patrol officer diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix. The defendant, California Highway Patrol, sought reconsideration of a finding that this condition constituted an industrial injury under Labor Code section 3212.1. The defendant argued that the applicant's condition was not considered "cancer" and therefore the statutory presumption of industrial causation did not apply. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration, upholding the finding based on qualified medical evaluator Dr. Ngo's opinion that adenocarcinoma in situ qualifies as cancer under the statute. The Board found the defendant failed to rebut the presumption by providing evidence that the exposure to carcinogens was not linked to the disabling cancer.

Labor Code section 3212.1presumption of injurycervical canceradenocarcinoma in situLoop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)substantial medical evidencepanel qualified medical evaluatordisputable presumptionrebuttal evidencecarcinogen exposure
References
1
Showing 1-10 of 14,806 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