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

Case No. ADJ8026817
Regular
Apr 22, 2013

MARIA OCHOA vs. RANGERS DIE CASTING COMPANY, COMPWEST INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration of a decision finding the applicant sustained injury to her respiratory system and psyche AOE/COE. The WCAB rescinded the decision and returned the case to the trial level, finding the medical opinions of Dr. Lipper and Dr. Curtis lacked substantiality. Specifically, the physicians failed to provide clear diagnoses, quantify exposures, or adequately explain causation. The Board noted contradictory testimony from the applicant's supervisor and insufficient evidence to support the initial findings.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardMaria OchoaRangers Die Casting CompanyCOMPWEST INSURANCE COMPANYADJ8026817Los Angeles District OfficeOpinion and Order Granting ReconsiderationDecision After ReconsiderationFindings of FactWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge (WCJ)
References
Case No. ADJ9136267
Regular
Aug 05, 2016

JERRY LEDGER III vs. STEVE DOVALI CONSTRUCTION, BARRY HALAJIAN DBA INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, GRANITE STATE INSURANCE, BENCHMARK INSURANCE

In this workers' compensation case, the Appeals Board granted removal, rescinded a prior order staying Superior Court actions, and affirmed an order for mandatory arbitration. The Board found that coverage disputes arising from an insurer's claim of policy cancellation fall exclusively within the WCAB's jurisdiction, as resolution is necessary for applicant benefits. While the WCAB has exclusive jurisdiction over these disputes, it lacked the authority to stay the separate Superior Court actions, which is a power reserved for higher courts. Therefore, the parties must proceed to arbitration, and the Superior Court actions are not stayed by the WCAB.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for RemovalMandatory ArbitrationSuperior Court ActionPolicy CancellationDeclaratory ReliefConcurrent JurisdictionExclusive JurisdictionCoverage DisputeConstitutional Courts
References
Case No. ADJ10305799
Regular
Oct 20, 2025

REBECCA BLUNT vs. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted the defendant's petition for reconsideration regarding an earlier order. The defendant challenged the Board's jurisdiction, contending the applicant's prior reconsideration petition was automatically denied due to inaction within 60 days. The Board acknowledged a split in authority on whether an order granting reconsideration for further study constitutes a final order, an issue currently pending before the Supreme Court in related cases. To preserve the defendant's rights, the Board granted the petition and deferred a final decision after reconsideration, maintaining its continuing jurisdiction over the matter.

Petition for ReconsiderationOpinion and Order Granting PetitionJurisdiction60-day ruleTransmissionElectronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS)Final OrderInterlocutory OrderContinuing JurisdictionRes Judicata
References
Case No. ADJ11706407
Regular
Apr 15, 2025

Matthew Hatchette vs. Oakland Raiders, TIG/Fairmont Premier Insurance Company, Jacksonville Jaguars, ACE American Insurance Company, New York Jets, USF&G, Chubb, Pacific Employers Insurance

This case concerns Matthew Hatchette, a former professional football player, and his claims of continuous trauma injuries against multiple NFL teams and their insurers. Defendant Jacksonville Jaguars filed a Petition for Reconsideration challenging the Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge's (WCJ) findings regarding jurisdiction and the applicability of res judicata. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted the petition to conduct a thorough review of the factual and legal issues, thereby deferring a final decision on the merits. The Board's decision also addressed the timeliness of the petition under the recently amended Labor Code section 5909.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardMatthew HatchetteOakland RaidersJacksonville JaguarsNew York JetsTIG/Fairmont Premier Insurance CompanyChubbUSF&GGallagher Bassett ServicesZenith Insurance Company
References
Case No. ADJ8501790
Regular
Jul 29, 2015

Kelly Chase vs. St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Federal Insurance Company

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) reversed a prior finding of industrial injury for a professional hockey player against the St. Louis Blues. The WCAB found insufficient connection to California for jurisdiction, citing the player's limited games in the state compared to his overall career. This decision followed the precedent set in *Federal Insurance Co. v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (Johnson)*, which requires a legitimate and substantial connection to the state for jurisdiction. The WCAB concluded that 21 games out of 485 did not meet this standard for a cumulative injury claim.

WCABSt. Louis Blues Hockey ClubFederal Insurance CompanyADJ8501790Opinion and Decision After Reconsiderationcumulative industrial injuryprofessional hockey playersubject matter jurisdictionstatute of limitationssubstantial medical evidence
References
Case No. ADJ7953076
Regular
Feb 27, 2017

JAMES JAMISON vs. MICHAEL WEPPLO, INNOVATIVE BUSINESS PARTNERS, INC., AIG CLAIMS

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) affirmed a judge's order denying arbitration on insurance coverage, as the prior superior court ruling established the WCAB's exclusive jurisdiction. The WCAB found the judge's order was an interim procedural step, not a final order, thus not subject to reconsideration. Defendant's admission of coverage also negated the need for arbitration on that issue. The case was returned to the trial level for a mandatory settlement conference to address remaining employment issues.

WCABPetition for ReconsiderationInsurance Coverage DisputeMandatory ArbitrationLabor Code Section 3706Evidentiary HearingEmployment StatusFinal OrderInterlocutory OrderJurisdiction
References
Case No. ADJ7828286
Regular
Oct 09, 2013

REGINALD GERMANY vs. BUFFALO BILLS, TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration, rescinding the prior decision that California lacked jurisdiction over the applicant's cumulative trauma injury claim. The WCAB found that the prior judge improperly applied personal jurisdiction principles. The case is returned for further proceedings to determine if defendants are exempt from WCAB jurisdiction under Labor Code section 3600.5(b) or if jurisdiction should be declined based on a mandatory forum selection clause and limited connection to California, as established in relevant en banc decisions.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCumulative Trauma InjuryJurisdictionProfessional Football PlayerMcKinley v. Arizona CardinalsLabor Code Section 3600.5(b)Carroll v. Cincinnati BrownsForum Selection ClauseLimited Connection to CaliforniaExtraterritorial Provisions
References
Case No. ADJ3716430
Regular
Mar 10, 2010

NORRIS M. MELLON vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND, CCPOA BENEFIT TRUST FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) reviewed an order directing parties to bankruptcy court regarding the dischargeability of a workers' compensation lien. The lien claimant argued the WCAB had exclusive jurisdiction and the applicant waived his right to challenge the lien. After granting removal on its own motion and receiving a report from the judge, the WCAB affirmed the original order. The WCAB's decision is that the parties must address the lien's dischargeability in bankruptcy court.

WCABPetition for ReconsiderationRemovalBankruptcy Court JurisdictionWorkers' Compensation LienExclusive JurisdictionDischarge in BankruptcyWCJ ReportAffirmationLegal Service Bureau
References
Case No. ADJ13302605; ADJ15813943
Regular
Mar 07, 2023

MATTHEW WARE vs. ARIZONA CARDINALS FOOTBALL CLUB, LLC, GREAT DIVIDE INSURANCE COMPANY C/O BERKLEY ENTERTAINMENT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted the defendant's Petition for Removal, reversing the WCJ's order to set the case for a Mandatory Settlement Conference on all issues. The Board found good cause to bifurcate and try the threshold issues of California subject matter and personal jurisdiction first. Bifurcating these jurisdictional issues is deemed more efficient, as a favorable ruling for the defendant would avoid further litigation. This decision prioritizes an expedited resolution of jurisdiction to facilitate the prompt delivery of potential benefits.

Petition for RemovalMandatory Settlement ConferenceBifurcationJurisdictionSubject Matter JurisdictionPersonal JurisdictionSpecial AppearanceDeclaration of ReadinessDiscoveryGood Cause
References
Case No. ADJ837893
Regular
Jun 04, 2009

GEORGE ALBERT JUAREZ vs. BAJA ROOFING, FIRST AMERICAN STAFFING, INTERTRIBAL STRATEGIC VENTURES EMPLOYEES OCCUPATIONAL INJURY AND INDEMNITY, FIRST INTERCARE, UNINSURED EMPLOYERS FUND

This case involves a worker injured while employed by First American Staffing (First), a tribal entity, and allegedly also by Baja Roofing (Baja) as a special employer. The Tribal Appeals Court has already asserted jurisdiction over First, and the WCAB acknowledges it lacks jurisdiction over tribal entities like First due to sovereign immunity. The WCAB rescinded the prior findings and returned the case to the trial level, requiring the applicant to first pursue remedies against First in tribal court before the WCAB will consider Baja's liability. This is to determine if First secured adequate workers' compensation coverage as per their contract with Baja, which would then potentially absolve Baja of responsibility.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardTribal sovereign immunityGeneral and special employmentJoint and several liabilityRes judicataCollateral estoppelThird-party administratorEmployee leasing companiesTribal Appeals CourtInsured status
References
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