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

Case No. CA 13-01106
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 07, 2014

MONROE COUNTY DEPUTY SHERIFF'S, MTR. OF

Petitioner, a bargaining representative for Deputy Sheriffs, sought to vacate an arbitration award that denied a grievance concerning holiday pay for five members on July 4, 2011. The Deputy Sheriffs were granted the day off with pay but were not compensated for their regular shifts in addition to the holiday pay, which petitioner alleged violated their collective bargaining agreement and Military Law § 249. The arbitrator denied the grievance, concluding that neither the CBA nor Military Law § 249 mandated the additional payment. The Supreme Court confirmed the arbitration award. The Appellate Division affirmed the lower court's decision, finding the arbitrator did not exceed his authority, his construction of the CBA was not irrational, and the award did not violate public policy.

Arbitration AwardCollective Bargaining AgreementHoliday Pay DisputeMilitary Law BenefitsGrievance DenialDeputy SheriffsPublic PolicyVacate ArbitrationAppellate ReviewLabor Relations
References
6
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

In re Arbitration Between Monroe County Deputy Sheriffs' Ass'n & Monroe County

The petitioner, representing Deputy Sheriffs, challenged an arbitration award concerning holiday pay. Five Deputy Sheriffs, scheduled to work on July 4, 2011, received only eight hours of holiday pay despite being granted the day off, not their regular shift pay plus holiday pay. The petitioner argued that the collective bargaining agreement and Military Law § 249 mandated additional payment. The arbitrator denied the grievance, concluding neither required the additional payment. The Supreme Court confirmed this award, and the appellate court affirmed, finding no excess of arbitral power, no irrational construction of the CBA, and no violation of public policy.

Collective Bargaining AgreementGrievanceArbitration AwardPublic PolicyMilitary LawHoliday PayDeputy SheriffsCPLR Article 75AffirmanceAppellate Review
References
6
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. 09-04-477 CV
Regular Panel Decision
Oct 20, 2005

James Vandevender v. Honorable G. Mitch Woods, in His Official Capacity as Sheriff of Jefferson County, Texas and Jefferson County, Texas

James VanDevender, a deputy sheriff, appealed a trial court's decision regarding his entitlement to full salary continuation after an on-the-job injury. He argued that Article III, Section 52e of the Texas Constitution, which authorizes counties to pay injured law enforcement officials, should be interpreted to allow salary payments beyond the expiration of a sheriff's term if the deputy is re-deputized and the disability continues into a subsequent term. The trial court had ruled that his benefits ceased with the end of the sheriff's initial term. The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's judgment, holding that the plain language of Article III, Section 52e clearly states that salary payments 'shall cease on the expiration of the term of office to which such official was elected or appointed,' and this limitation applies even if the deputy is rehired for additional terms.

Public Official InjurySalary ContinuationConstitutional LawGovernment EmploymentWorkers' Compensation BenefitsTerm LimitsJudicial ReviewTexas Court of AppealsDeputy SheriffJefferson County
References
9
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. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

In re the Arbitration between Monroe County Deputy Sheriff's Ass'n & Monroe County/Monroe County Sheriff

This case involves an appeal from an order of the Supreme Court, Monroe County, which had denied a petition to confirm an arbitration award and granted a cross-petition to vacate it. The arbitration award mandated that Monroe County provide firearms and training to its deputies in the Civil Bureau of the Monroe County Sheriff's office. The Supreme Court had ruled that the award contravened public policy by infringing upon the Sheriff's discretionary authority under Judiciary Law § 400. However, the appellate court disagreed, concluding that the public policy exception did not meet the stringent criteria for overturning an arbitration award. Consequently, the appellate court reversed the Supreme Court's order, thereby confirming the original arbitration award and denying the cross-petition.

Arbitration AwardPublic Policy ExceptionCollective Bargaining AgreementMonroe County SheriffCivil Bureau DeputiesFirearms TrainingHealth and SafetyAppellate Court DecisionVacating Arbitration AwardConfirming Arbitration Award
References
4
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Lay v. Scott County Sheriff's Department

Jerry Brandon Lay, a deputy sheriff for Scott County Sheriff's Department, was injured in an automobile accident in October 2000, sustaining neck, shoulder, arm, and back injuries. He underwent surgery for a bulging disc and was rated with a 13% whole body disability, reaching maximum medical improvement in January 2002. After initially returning to the Sheriff's Department at the same pay, Lay voluntarily resigned for a higher-paying job, only to be rehired by the Sheriff's Department at a lower wage after his surgery. The trial court awarded Lay 60% permanent partial disability, believing the 2.5 times impairment rating statutory cap did not apply as he was not returned to the same position at the same wage. The Supreme Court reversed this decision, asserting that the 2.5 times cap applies when an employee has a meaningful return to work and resigns for reasons unrelated to the injury, regardless of later returning at a lower wage. Consequently, Lay's award was modified to 32.5% permanent partial disability, which is 2.5 times his 13% impairment rating.

Workers' CompensationPermanent Partial DisabilityMeaningful Return to WorkStatutory CapsVoluntary ResignationWage DiscrepancySpinal InjuryMedical Impairment RatingAppellate ReviewTennessee Law
References
11
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Billings v. County of St. Lawrence

The petitioner, an unnamed Deputy Sheriff and correction officer for the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, was terminated after a disciplinary hearing. He was found guilty of unprofessional conduct for inappropriately delivering tobacco to an inmate and for lying during the subsequent investigation, though not for causing an inmate disturbance. Despite a Hearing Officer's recommendation for a two-month suspension, the Undersheriff of St. Lawrence County opted for termination, effective April 22, 1987. The court, in this CPLR article 78 proceeding, confirmed the determination, finding the evidence sufficient and the termination penalty not excessive given the serious nature of the misconduct in a prison setting and the petitioner's relatively short, unblemished service record.

MisconductTerminationDeputy SheriffCorrection OfficerInmate ConductDisciplinary ActionSubstantial EvidencePenalty ReviewUnprofessional ConductLack of Candor
References
2
Case No. Docket No. 2015-02-0077, State File No. 24786-2015
Regular Panel Decision
Sep 04, 2015

MacDonald, Michael v. Greene County Sheriffs Department

This interlocutory appeal concerns a sheriff's deputy, Michael MacDonald, who sustained a work-related left ankle injury, followed by a right ankle injury at home. He claimed the second injury was a direct consequence of the first, a position supported by the panel physician. The employer, Greene County Sheriff’s Department, denied compensability for the right ankle injury, arguing it was outside the scope of employment. The trial court, after consolidating the cases and reviewing the file, ruled in favor of MacDonald, awarding medical and temporary disability benefits. The employer appealed, questioning the trial court's authority for an expedited hearing and contesting the benefit award, but the Appeals Board affirmed the trial court's order.

Workers' Compensation AppealAnkle InjuryWork-Related InjurySubsequent InjuryDirect and Natural ConsequenceCompensabilityExpedited HearingTemporary Disability BenefitsMedical BenefitsWaiver of Issue
References
3
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Cady v. Andrews

Gerald A. Cady, a Broome County Deputy Sheriff, suffered injuries in a patrol car accident in 1979. He and his wife sued Sheriff Andrews and the County of Broome for negligence in vehicle maintenance. Defendants moved for summary judgment, citing the Workers' Compensation Law and constitutional immunity for the county. The court granted the motion, dismissing the complaint against the county due to constitutional immunity and the inapplicability of Vehicle and Traffic Law § 388 to police vehicles. The action against Sheriff Andrews was also dismissed, with the court finding the Workers' Compensation Law to be a bar given the deputy's effective joint employment.

Workers' CompensationGovernmental ImmunityVicarious LiabilitySheriff's DepartmentPolice VehiclesVehicle and Traffic LawConstitutional LawEmployment StatusSummary Judgment
References
14
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