Kenneth Bone and A.J. Morris, M.D., P.A. v. CorVel Corporation
Appellants Kenneth Bone and A.J. Morris, M.D., P.A. appealed the trial court's dismissal of their claims against Appellee CorVel Corporation for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The case stemmed from Utica National Insurance Company's denial of payment for Bone's pain management treatments, which Dr. Morris administered after obtaining preauthorization from CorVel. Appellants sued CorVel and Utica, alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices—Consumer Protection Act, but failed to pursue administrative remedies through the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission within the statutory one-year period. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, holding that the Appellants' claims fell under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Workers' Compensation Act and their failure to exhaust administrative remedies within the prescribed time barred judicial review.