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

Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Wolff v. Deputy Constables Ass'n of Bexar County

Appellee Deputy Constables Association of Bexar County sued appellants Nelson Wolff, et al. for violating the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act by failing to engage in collective bargaining. This is an interlocutory appeal from the trial court's denial of Wolff's plea to the jurisdiction and motion to dismiss. Wolff contended the trial court erred because the Deputy Constables lack standing under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 174. The court analyzed the definition of 'police officer' under the Act, which requires employment in the 'police department' of a political subdivision. While deputy sheriffs are considered part of the 'police department' for a county, the court found Deputy Constables are employed by the Constable's Office, not the 'police department' or Sheriff's Office. Therefore, the court concluded that the Deputy Constables do not meet the definition of 'police officer' under the Act, lack standing to bring suit, and reversed the trial court’s denial of Wolff’s plea to the jurisdiction, rendering judgment in favor of Wolff.

Collective BargainingFire and Police Employee Relations ActTexas Local Government Code Chapter 174StandingPlea to JurisdictionMotion to DismissDeputy ConstablesPolice Officers DefinitionAppellate ReviewStatutory Interpretation
References
15
Case No. 04-13-00080-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 17, 2013

Nelson Wolff, County Judge of Bexar County Texas, Bexar County Commissioners Paul Elizondo, Tommy Adkisson, Sergio Chico Rodriguez and Kevin Wolff And Bexar County, Texas v. Deputy Constables Association of Bexar

The Deputy Constables Association of Bexar County sued Nelson Wolff, et al., alleging a violation of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act for failing to engage in collective bargaining. The case originated from the trial court's denial of Wolff's plea to the jurisdiction and motion to dismiss. The central legal question on appeal was whether the Deputy Constables possessed the standing to collectively bargain under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 174, which restricts this right to "police officers" employed in a political subdivision's "police department." The Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, Texas, analyzed relevant statutory definitions and precedent, distinguishing between the Sheriff's Office (considered a "police department" for the county) and the Constable's Office. Concluding that Deputy Constables are not employed by the "police department" or the Sheriff's Office, the court determined they do not meet the statutory definition of "police officer" and thus lack standing to pursue their claim. Consequently, the appellate court reversed the trial court's decision and rendered judgment in favor of Wolff, dismissing the suit.

Collective BargainingStandingPolice OfficersLocal Government CodeBexar CountyConstable's OfficeSheriff's OfficeStatutory InterpretationAppellate ReviewPlea to Jurisdiction
References
15
Case No. 03-21-00120-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 24, 2022

Brian Manley, Chief of Austin Police Department Brian Manley, Individually Commander Mark Spangler, Austin Police Department Lt. Jerry Bauzon, Austin Police Department Officer Benjamin Bloodworth, Austin Police Department Officer Collin Fallon, Austin Police Department Sgt. Eric Kilcollins, Training Coordinator, Austin Police Academy And Officer Shand, Lead Instructor, Stress Reaction Training, Austin Police Academy v. Christopher Wise

Christopher Wise, a former Austin Police Academy cadet, sued Brian Manley (APD Chief) and six other APD officers after sustaining severe injuries, including heat exhaustion and stroke, during a stress reaction training in October 2018. Wise alleged that officers intentionally discouraged cadets from hydrating despite high temperatures and failed to provide timely medical aid. The defendants sought dismissal under the Texas Tort Claims Act's election-of-remedies provisions. The district court dismissed claims against the City of Austin and APD but not against the individual officers. The appellate court reversed the district court's decision, ruling that Wise's claims against the individual officers were based on conduct within the scope of their employment and could have been brought under the TTCA, thus mandating their dismissal.

Texas Tort Claims ActGovernmental ImmunityElection of RemediesScope of EmploymentPolice MisconductCadet InjuryHeat IllnessSupervisor NegligenceAppellate CourtReversal
References
25
Case No. 03-18-00740-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Mar 06, 2020

Gerard Matzen// Marsha McLane, in Her Official Capacity as Director of Texas Civil Commitment Office, and the Texas Civil Commitment Office v. Marsha McLane, in Her Official Capacity as Director of Texas Civil Commitment Office, and the Texas Civil Commitment Office// Cross-Appellee, Gerard Matzen

Gerard Matzen appealed a district court's partial grant of Appellees' plea to the jurisdiction in his civil commitment case under the sexually violent predator (SVP) statute, challenging rulings on his APA, ultra vires, and immunity claims. The Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) and its Director Marsha McLane cross-appealed the denial of their plea regarding Matzen's procedural due process and takings claims. The Court of Appeals affirmed the district court's order, finding Matzen's APA and ultra vires claims invalid and qualified immunity inapplicable. However, the court upheld the district court's denial of the plea concerning Matzen's procedural due process and takings claims, concluding they presented viable constitutional questions requiring further factual development.

Civil commitmentSexually Violent Predator ActPlea to the jurisdictionSovereign immunityUltra vires claimsAdministrative Procedure ActDue processTakings clauseCost recovery feesGovernment agency authority
References
65
Case No. 03-23-00316-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Apr 16, 2025

City of Killeen, Texas and Ground Game Texas v. Bell County, Texas; The 27th Judicial District Attorney's Office; And the Bell County Attorney's Office

The City of Killeen, Texas, and Ground Game Texas appealed the trial court's denial of their pleas to the jurisdiction. The underlying lawsuit, filed by Bell County, the 27th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and the Bell County Attorney’s Office, challenged the constitutionality and validity of a Killeen ordinance decriminalizing misdemeanor marijuana possession. Appellants argued that the appellees lacked standing and that governmental immunity barred the suit. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's order, concluding that the District Attorney’s Office had standing due to the ordinance's interference with its prosecutorial discretion and duties. It also found that governmental immunity was waived for challenges to an ordinance's validity and for concurrent claims for injunctive relief under the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act.

Decriminalization OrdinanceMarijuana PossessionPlea to the JurisdictionGovernmental ImmunityStandingProsecutorial DiscretionUniform Declaratory Judgments ActTexas Local Government CodeTexas Health & Safety CodeTexas Code of Criminal Procedure
References
29
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Rockport Yacht & Supply Co., Inc. v. Hollis

This case involves an appeal from an award made by a Deputy Commissioner under the Federal Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Act. James R. Nelson sustained a back injury while employed by Rockport Yacht & Supply Co., Inc. (RYSCO). After an initial state workmen's compensation claim, Nelson filed federal claims, leading to an award of total and permanent disability benefits by the Deputy Commissioner. RYSCO and its insurance carrier, Marine Office of America, appealed this award, seeking injunctive relief and a de novo trial, relying on the precedent of Crowell v. Benson. The Court considered whether the employer and carrier were entitled to a de novo trial on jurisdictional facts (employment and injury on navigable waters). The Court denied the request for a de novo hearing, noting that the Fifth Circuit has indicated the Crowell v. Benson doctrine is doubtful and that there was no conflicting testimony on the issue of injury on navigable waters. The court also addressed the issue of dual recovery, stating that any state compensation benefits must be credited against the federal award. Ultimately, the Court affirmed the Deputy Commissioner's findings, order, and award, concluding they were supported by substantial evidence and in accordance with the law, and granted the Deputy Commissioner's motion for summary judgment.

Longshoremen's and Harbor Workers' Compensation ActDe Novo ReviewJurisdictional FactsAdmiralty JurisdictionWorkmen's CompensationDual RecoverySummary JudgmentAppellate ReviewFederal Compensation LawSubstantial Evidence
References
9
Case No. 03-15-00642-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Nov 09, 2015

Travis County Sheriff's Office Senior Certified Peace Officer Dennis Tumlinson v. Carolyn Barnes

Carolyn Barnes sued Officer Dennis Tumlinson, a Travis County Sheriff’s Office Senior Certified Peace Officer, and other Travis County employees, alleging civil and constitutional rights violations, conspiracy, assault, and perjury. Barnes sought monetary damages, injunctive relief, and a declaratory judgment. The Travis County Defendants, including Tumlinson, filed a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The trial court granted dismissal for most defendants but denied it for Officer Tumlinson. This document is Officer Tumlinson’s appeal, arguing that the trial court erred in denying his motion to dismiss. The appellant asserts that the court lacks jurisdiction and that he is entitled to immunity based on affirmative defenses of official immunity, statute of limitations, and res judicata. The brief details the history of Barnes's arrests and prior lawsuits against various entities and individuals in Travis and Williamson Counties, framing the current case as a malicious prosecution and collateral attack on criminal judgments.

Official ImmunityQualified ImmunitySubject Matter JurisdictionStatute of LimitationsRes JudicataCivil Rights ViolationsConstitutional RightsFalse ArrestMalicious ProsecutionAggravated Perjury
References
132
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Jan 26, 2017

Elness Swenson Graham Architects, Inc. v. RLJ II-C Austin Air, LP

This case involves an appeal and cross-appeal concerning a breach of contract suit related to defects in the design and construction of a hotel. Appellant Elness Swenson Graham Architects, Inc. (Elness), the architectural firm, appealed a judgment in favor of appellees RLJ II-C Austin Air, LP; RLJ II-C Austin Air Lessee, LP; and RLJ Lodging Fund II Acquisitions, LLC (collectively, RLJ), the hotel owner. RLJ had acquired the contract rights through an assignment from a previous owner and had settled with other defendants, EBCO (general contractor) and Terracon (geotechnical engineering firm). The jury found Elness liable and awarded RLJ $785,000 in damages. The trial court applied settlement credits and attorney's fees, resulting in a net award to RLJ. On appeal, Elness's issues regarding RLJ's capacity to sue, evidence admissibility, jury charge, and damages sufficiency were overruled. However, the appellate court reversed the trial court's judgment regarding attorney's fees. It ruled that after applying the one-satisfaction rule and the $1,170,000 in settlement credits from other defendants, RLJ did not actually recover any damages from Elness. Consequently, RLJ was not a "prevailing party" entitled to attorney's fees under Texas law. The court reversed the trial court’s final judgment and rendered a judgment that RLJ take nothing.

Breach of ContractArchitectural NegligenceConstruction DefectsHotel DevelopmentContract AssignmentCapacity to SueSummary JudgmentEvidence AdmissibilityJury ChargeDamages
References
151
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

E.V.R. II Associates, Ltd. v. Brundige

Riley T. Brundige, a security service employee, sued E.V.R. II Associates, Ltd., E.V.R. II Partnership, and Enclave Development Corporation (Enclave) for personal injuries sustained from a fall on their premises on April 18, 1987. Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company intervened as the workers' compensation carrier for Brundige's employer, seeking subrogation for $47,293.73 in indemnity and medical payments. A jury found in favor of Brundige, awarding him $270,468.43, and Liberty Mutual was awarded $46,500.00 from Brundige's recovery, plus $22,000.00 in attorney's fees. Enclave appealed, raising points regarding the admission of workers' compensation benefits evidence, the denial of a separate trial for Liberty Mutual's subrogation claim, jury challenges, and the admission of post-accident repair photographs. The court affirmed the judgment, finding no reversible error.

Premises LiabilityPersonal InjuryWorkers' Compensation SubrogationEvidentiary RulesSubsequent Remedial MeasuresJury SelectionPeremptory ChallengesAntagonism Between PartiesInterventionAppellate Review
References
15
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Sep 25, 2003

Peycke v. Newport Media Acquisition II, Inc.

The plaintiff, an employee of DSA Community Publishing, was allegedly injured after a slip and fall on ice in an office parking lot. She initiated an action for personal injuries against Newport Media Acquisition II, Inc., the building owner, and A. Ciesinski Snow Plowing, Inc., the company responsible for snow removal. The Supreme Court denied Newport's motion for summary judgment but granted A. Ciesinski's cross-motion. On appeal, the cross-appeal by the plaintiff was dismissed. The appellate court modified the order, affirming the denial of summary judgment for Newport but denying A. Ciesinski's motion to dismiss Newport's cross-claim for indemnification, citing triable issues of fact.

Personal InjurySlip and FallSummary JudgmentCross ClaimsIndemnificationWorkers' Compensation DefenseTriable Issues of FactAppellate ReviewNegligenceBuilding Owner Liability
References
6
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