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

Case No. ADJ9674694
Regular
Feb 02, 2016

RAMONDA WALKER vs. PETROCHEM INSULATION, INC., ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

This case concerns whether the California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has jurisdiction over an applicant's claim for an injury sustained while working in Utah. The applicant, hired by a California-based company, argues California has jurisdiction because the company is based there, he paid California taxes, and he was directed to join a California union. However, the WCAB affirmed the finding that it lacked jurisdiction, as the applicant was hired and injured outside of California. The Board held that the location of the hiring and the injury are determinative for jurisdiction, not the employer's location or the applicant's tax payments.

JurisdictionContract of HireLabor Code § 5305Labor Code § 3600.5(a)WCABIndustrial InjuryPetrochem InsulationInc.Ramonada WalkerReconsideration
References
14
Case No. ADJ8180232
Regular
Sep 13, 2017

HUBERT OLIVER vs. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, ACE/ESIS, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY, HOUSTON OILERS, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION for HOME INSURANCE

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to review a judge's finding of no California jurisdiction over a professional football player's injury claim. The Board will consider whether the applicant was hired in California and if playing two games here creates sufficient connection for jurisdiction under the *Johnson* decision. The applicant will be allowed to file a supplemental brief referencing trial transcripts, and all parties will have an opportunity to brief the Board's intention to rule on the sufficiency of California's interest in adjudicating the claim.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCalifornia jurisdictionindustrial injuryprofessional football playeremployment contractssubject matter jurisdictionsupplemental briefingcumulative traumaFederal Insurance Co. v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (Johnson)due process
References
6
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. ADJ4213301 (ANA 0398168)
Regular
Apr 01, 2015

REGGIE STEPHENS vs. NASHVILLE KATS, GREAT DIVIDE INSURANCE COMPANY, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS, TIG INSURANCE COMPANY

The Appeals Board affirmed the finding that the applicant was hired in California, establishing jurisdiction for workers' compensation claims under Labor Code sections 3600.5(a) and 5305. The Board found that accepting an employment offer by telephone in California constituted hiring, regardless of subsequent contract signing elsewhere. This hiring connection was deemed sufficient to support jurisdiction, overriding contractual choice-of-law provisions that conflicted with California's public policy protecting workers' compensation rights. The case was returned for further proceedings consistent with this decision.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCABcumulative industrial injuryoral contract of hirechoice of law provisionjurisdictioncontract of hireconditions subsequentforum selection clausepublic policy
References
23
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. ADJ10779733
Regular
Feb 26, 2020

THOMAS WILSON vs. FLORIDA MARLINS, ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE, SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

This case involves a professional athlete's workers' compensation claim where the central issue is whether California jurisdiction is precluded by Labor Code sections 3600.5(c) and (d) concerning out-of-state athletes. The Board found these exemptions inapplicable because the applicant had multiple California contracts of hire during his cumulative trauma injury period, aligning with California's general jurisdictional rules. The Board interpreted the intent of the statutory amendments to be the limitation of claims by out-of-state athletes with minimal California contacts, not those with established hire in the state. Therefore, the applicant's claim may proceed in California.

Labor Code Section 3600.5Professional Athlete ExceptionCumulative TraumaContract of HireJurisdictionOut-of-State EmployersCalifornia-Based TeamDuty DaysTemporary WorkLegislative Intent
References
13
Case No. ADJ11367534
Regular
Nov 19, 2020

, DAVID BRAY vs. , INTEL CORPORATION

This case concerns whether the California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has jurisdiction over an applicant hired in California but injured while working entirely out-of-state. The WCAB initially found insufficient contacts to support jurisdiction but reconsidered this decision. Citing precedent including Labor Code sections 3600.5 and 5305, the WCAB held that being hired in California is a sufficient connection to justify exercising jurisdiction. Therefore, the prior order was rescinded, and the applicant's case can proceed in California.

JurisdictionSitus of EmploymentContract of HireSufficient ContactsIndustrial InjuryCumulative TraumaWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJReconsiderationFindings and Order
References
7
Case No. ADJ10069789 MF ADJ10069817 ADJ10069939
Regular
Feb 02, 2017

ANTHONY SMITH vs. TW TRANSPORTATION

In this workers' compensation case, the applicant was hired in California but signed an employment contract with a choice-of-law clause selecting Washington law and forum. The WCAB granted reconsideration, reversing the administrative law judge's prior order to adjudicate in Washington. The Board found that hiring in California is a sufficient connection to establish WCAB jurisdiction, superseding the choice-of-law clause due to California's strong public policy interest in workers' compensation claims. Therefore, the applicant's claims will be adjudicated in California.

WCABJurisdictionLabor Code Section 3600.5(a)Contract of HireForum Selection ClauseChoice of Law ProvisionReconsiderationFindings of FactMcKinley v. Arizona CardinalsPalma
References
17
Case No. ADJ7597520
Regular
Sep 09, 2014

MAZIO ROYSTER vs. NFL EUROPE, TIG SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board affirmed a prior ruling that it has jurisdiction over an applicant's injury claim against NFL Europe. This decision was based on the finding that the applicant's contract of hire was formed in California, even though the injury occurred out-of-state. The Board also held that any forum selection clause in the contract would not be enforced as it contravenes California public policy favoring workers' compensation rights when the contract of hire is made within the state. The WCAB's reasoning relied heavily on statutory provisions and case law establishing California's jurisdiction when the contract formation occurs in California.

WCABNFL EuropeTIG Specialty Insurance CompanyZenith Insuranceindustrial injuryprofessional athletecontract of hireforum selection clausejurisdictionpublic policy
References
18
Case No. ADJ 8937991
Regular
May 23, 2017

ANTONIO PIERCE vs. WASHINGTON REDSKINS, ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE AND TRAVELERS, NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS, INC., GREAT DIVIDE INSURANCE COMPANY

This case concerns whether the California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has jurisdiction over a professional football player's cumulative injury claim. The applicant asserts he was hired in California by the Washington Redskins and New York Football Giants, Inc., triggering WCAB jurisdiction. Defendants argued against jurisdiction, citing limited California contacts and employment contracts specifying other state laws. The WCAB affirmed the judge's finding of jurisdiction, holding that the applicant's hiring in California is sufficient to establish subject matter jurisdiction under Labor Code sections 3600.5 and 5305, irrespective of other contacts.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardAntonio PierceWashington RedskinsACE American InsuranceTravelersNew York Football GiantsGreat Divide Insurance Companyjurisdictioncontract of hireFederal Insurance Co. v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (Johnson)
References
30
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