Updated Daily

Case Law Database

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

Case No. ADJ16597333

Regular

Aug 12, 2025

TYSON PEREZ vs. CHICAGO DOGS, LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY; HOUSTON ASTROS, ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY/ CHUBB

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board issued an en banc opinion to grant reconsideration regarding a jurisdictional dispute involving applicant Tyson Perez. Defendant Chicago Dogs sought reconsideration of a WCJ's finding of personal jurisdiction, arguing their witness was improperly denied electronic testimony crucial for presenting evidence. The Board found the denial of electronic testimony without due process to be an error, emphasizing the policy favoring adjudication on merits. Therefore, reconsideration was granted, and a final decision is deferred for further review.

WORKERS COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARDEN BANCPETITION FOR RECONSIDERATIONPERSONAL JURISDICTIONELECTRONIC TESTIMONYDUE PROCESSFAIR HEARINGSUBSTANTIAL JUSTICELIBERAL PLEADINGDISCOVERY

References

Case No. ADJ7041227

Regular

Aug 09, 2017

GERALD PADDIO vs. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, SEATTLE SUPERSONICS, INDIANA PACERS, WASHINGTON BULLETS/WASHINGTON WIZARDS, TIG INSURANCE, NEW YORK KNICKERBOCKERS, CHICAGO ROCKERS, LAS VEGAS SLAM/ CHICAGO SKYLINERS, TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied Travelers Indemnity Company's petition for reconsideration, affirming its subject matter jurisdiction over applicant Gerald Paddio's cumulative injury claim. The Board found that Paddio's hiring as a professional basketball player in California, through his agent accepting an offer in San Francisco, established jurisdiction under Labor Code sections 3600.5(a) and 5305. The Board also noted that the issue of potential exemption from California law, raised by the defendant, was not ripe for appeal and must be addressed at the trial level. All other issues remain deferred for determination by a Workers' Compensation Judge.

Subject matter jurisdictionLabor Code section 3600.5Labor Code section 5305Contract of hireProfessional basketball playerCumulative industrial injuryPetition for reconsiderationDenial of petitionAdministrative law judgeWorkers' Compensation Appeals Board

References

Case No. ADJ15951486, ADJ15951487

Regular

Aug 25, 2025

JEFF CRAIL vs. AMTRUST NORTH AMERICA, HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

The defendant, Amtrust North America and Hartford Fire Insurance Company, filed a Petition for Reconsideration of a Joint Findings of Fact and Orders (F&O) issued on May 20, 2025. The F&O had ordered the replacement of Panel Qualified Medical Examiner (PQME) Dr. Wiseman due to his failure to properly serve his report. The defendant argued that the court improperly interpreted Administrative Director Rule 31.5(a)(12) and that a Declaration of Readiness (DOR) does not constitute both an objection and a request for a replacement panel. The Appeals Board denied the Petition for Reconsideration, affirming the WCJ's decision to replace Dr. Wiseman. The Board's decision cited its en banc ruling in Vazquez v. Inocensio Renteria, reinforcing that a QME's failure to timely issue and serve a report, and engaging in ex parte communication by serving only one party, grants a party the right to seek replacement. The Board also emphasized the informal nature of pleadings in workers' compensation proceedings, as established in Perez v. Chicago Dogs, when addressing the applicant's DOR.

PQMEPetition for ReconsiderationJoint Findings of Fact and OrdersAdministrative Director RuleDeclaration of ReadinessIrreparable HarmMandatory Settlement ConferenceOncology PanelQualified Medical ExaminerProof of Service

References

Case No. ADJ7022627

Regular

Feb 08, 2013

WARRICK HOLDMAN vs. CHICAGO BEARS, TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY

This case involves Warrick Holdman, a former Chicago Bears player, and his insurer, Travelers Insurance, regarding a cumulative industrial injury claim. A prior decision awarded 89% permanent disability and specific treatment limitations. The defendants petitioned for reconsideration after the judge retired. Crucially, a compromise and release agreement has since been filed. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the prior decisions, and returned the case for a new judge to review the proposed settlement.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardAmended Findings and AwardCompromise and ReleaseIndustrial InjuryCumulative InjuryProfessional AthletePermanent DisabilityLife Pension

References

Case No. ADJ7560127

Regular

May 20, 2013

MICHAEL RICHARDSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, CHARTIS CLAIMS, INC., CHICAGO BEARS, TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY OF AMERICA, OAKLAND RAIDERS, FREMONT INDEMNITY, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the prior award, and remanded the case for further proceedings. The Board found the WCJ's determination of the date of injury as February 2, 1989, was not supported by substantial evidence. Medical evidence and applicant's own statements suggest a cumulative trauma injury sustained from January 1, 1989, through December 31, 1989, with the San Francisco 49ers, not solely attributable to the Chicago Bears on February 2, 1989. The Board also directed the WCJ to address the outstanding child support lien in the new decision.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardProfessional Football PlayerIndustrial InjuryThoracic SpineLumbar SpineRight ShoulderLeft KneeHeadachesDate of InjuryCumulative Trauma

References

Case No. ADJ10243805 ADJ10243806

Regular

Oct 20, 2025

ENELIA GARCIA vs. NORTHRIDGE HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER, SEDGWICK

Applicant Enelia Garcia filed a Petition for Removal (ADJ10243805) against minute orders setting a virtual trial and allowing a claims adjuster to appear virtually, citing due process violations and non-compliance with rules. Additionally, the applicant filed a Petition for Reconsideration (ADJ10243806) challenging a Findings and Order regarding new and further disability, occupational code, and the basis to reopen her case. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board reviewed both petitions and granted them, rescinding the September 4, 2025 minute orders and the July 16, 2025 Findings and Order. The matters were returned to the WCJ for further proceedings consistent with the Board's opinion, emphasizing the importance of creating a proper record and ensuring due process.

RemovalReconsiderationVirtual TrialChicago DogsWCJMinute OrdersFindings and OrderStipulations and AwardNew and Further DisabilityOccupational Code

References

Case No. ADJ7793914

Regular

Sep 10, 2014

KEITH BOOTH vs. CHICAGO BULLS, TIG INSURANCE

The Appeals Board reversed the WCJ's finding of jurisdiction, holding that the applicant did not present substantial evidence of a cumulative industrial injury incurred in California. Despite participating in practices on three occasions, the Board found these contacts insufficient to establish California's legitimate interest in adjudicating the claim, citing the *Johnson* case's standard. The Board determined that the applicant's participation in practices in California was de minimis and did not warrant the application of California workers' compensation law. Therefore, the applicant was ordered to take nothing on his claim.

cumulative traumaworkers' compensation jurisdictionprofessional athleteCalifornia contactde minimisdue processlegitimate interestsports injuryindustrial injuryPetition for Reconsideration

References

Case No. ADJ10715642

Regular

Oct 21, 2025

MISAEL RENTERIA vs. JUAN CARLOS RIVERA VAZQUEZ, DOG HOLDINGS, et al.

Defendant Shimin Xu filed multiple petitions for removal and disqualification, alleging bias against the WCJ and challenging a June 18, 2025 notice of hearing. The Appeals Board considered the allegations and the WCJ's Report and Recommendation, which advised against disqualification and removal. The Board found that the defendant failed to provide a substantive affidavit for disqualification and did not demonstrate substantial prejudice or irreparable harm for removal. Consequently, the Board denied the petition for removal and dismissed the petition for disqualification, also admonishing the defendant regarding vexatious litigant proceedings.

WCABPetition for RemovalPetition for DisqualificationWCJbiasLabor Code section 5311Code of Civil Procedure section 641affidavitdeclarationsubstantial prejudice

References

Case No. ADJ7537423

Regular

Feb 20, 2014

Gregory Landry vs. Arizona Wranglers, Detroit Lions, Chicago Blitz, The North River Insurance Company

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board dismissed Gregory Landry's petition for reconsideration as untimely. The petition was filed on January 6, 2014, which was more than the 20-day statutory limit after the WCJ's decision was served on December 10, 2013. Because the decision was personally served, no mailing extension applied. Therefore, the Board lacked jurisdiction to consider the petition.

Petition for ReconsiderationUntimelyLabor Code section 5903JurisdictionalServiceMailing ExtensionWCJ's decisionDismissedAppeals BoardAdministrative Law Judge

References

Case No. ADJ10092427

Regular

Jan 02, 2018

BRIAN WILLIAMS vs. SAN DIEGO PADRES, DETROIT TIGERS, CHICAGO CUBS, BALTIMORE ORIOLES, HOUSTON ASTROS, TIG MANCHESTER

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied a Petition for Removal filed by the Detroit Tigers, finding that the petitioner failed to demonstrate substantial prejudice or irreparable harm would result from denying removal. The WCJ recommended denial because further factual discovery, specifically a deposition of the applicant, was necessary to address the application and effect of Labor Code section 3600.5 regarding jurisdiction. The Board adopted the WCJ's report, holding that reconsideration would be an adequate remedy if a final decision adverse to the petitioner ultimately issued. Removal is an extraordinary remedy rarely granted by the Appeals Board.

RemovalPetition for RemovalWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJLabor Code section 3600.5Subject Matter JurisdictionProfessional AthletePlace of HireDuty DaysPre-trial Conference

References

Showing 1-10 of 30 results

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Updated Daily

Case Law Database

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

Case No. ADJ16597333

Regular

Aug 12, 2025

TYSON PEREZ vs. CHICAGO DOGS, LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY; HOUSTON ASTROS, ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY/ CHUBB

WORKERS COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARDEN BANCPETITION FOR RECONSIDERATIONPERSONAL JURISDICTIONELECTRONIC TESTIMONYDUE PROCESSFAIR HEARINGSUBSTANTIAL JUSTICELIBERAL PLEADINGDISCOVERY

References

Case No. ADJ7041227

Regular

Aug 09, 2017

GERALD PADDIO vs. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS, SEATTLE SUPERSONICS, INDIANA PACERS, WASHINGTON BULLETS/WASHINGTON WIZARDS, TIG INSURANCE, NEW YORK KNICKERBOCKERS, CHICAGO ROCKERS, LAS VEGAS SLAM/ CHICAGO SKYLINERS, TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY

References

Case No. ADJ15951486, ADJ15951487

Regular

Aug 25, 2025

JEFF CRAIL vs. AMTRUST NORTH AMERICA, HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

References

Case No. ADJ7022627

Regular

Feb 08, 2013

WARRICK HOLDMAN vs. CHICAGO BEARS, TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY

References

Case No. ADJ7560127

Regular

May 20, 2013

MICHAEL RICHARDSON vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, CHARTIS CLAIMS, INC., CHICAGO BEARS, TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY OF AMERICA, OAKLAND RAIDERS, FREMONT INDEMNITY, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardProfessional Football PlayerIndustrial InjuryThoracic SpineLumbar SpineRight ShoulderLeft KneeHeadachesDate of InjuryCumulative Trauma

References

Case No. ADJ10243805 ADJ10243806

Regular

Oct 20, 2025

ENELIA GARCIA vs. NORTHRIDGE HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER, SEDGWICK

RemovalReconsiderationVirtual TrialChicago DogsWCJMinute OrdersFindings and OrderStipulations and AwardNew and Further DisabilityOccupational Code

References

Case No. ADJ7793914

Regular

Sep 10, 2014

KEITH BOOTH vs. CHICAGO BULLS, TIG INSURANCE

cumulative traumaworkers' compensation jurisdictionprofessional athleteCalifornia contactde minimisdue processlegitimate interestsports injuryindustrial injuryPetition for Reconsideration

References

Case No. ADJ10715642

Regular

Oct 21, 2025

MISAEL RENTERIA vs. JUAN CARLOS RIVERA VAZQUEZ, DOG HOLDINGS, et al.

WCABPetition for RemovalPetition for DisqualificationWCJbiasLabor Code section 5311Code of Civil Procedure section 641affidavitdeclarationsubstantial prejudice

References

Case No. ADJ7537423

Regular

Feb 20, 2014

Gregory Landry vs. Arizona Wranglers, Detroit Lions, Chicago Blitz, The North River Insurance Company

Petition for ReconsiderationUntimelyLabor Code section 5903JurisdictionalServiceMailing ExtensionWCJ's decisionDismissedAppeals BoardAdministrative Law Judge

References

Case No. ADJ10092427

Regular

Jan 02, 2018

BRIAN WILLIAMS vs. SAN DIEGO PADRES, DETROIT TIGERS, CHICAGO CUBS, BALTIMORE ORIOLES, HOUSTON ASTROS, TIG MANCHESTER

RemovalPetition for RemovalWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJLabor Code section 3600.5Subject Matter JurisdictionProfessional AthletePlace of HireDuty DaysPre-trial Conference

References

Showing 1-10 of 30 results

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