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Case Law Database

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

Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

World Football League v. Dallas Cowboys Football Club, Inc.

The Dallas Cowboys Football Club, Inc. (Club) sought a temporary injunction against the World Football League (WFL) to prevent WFL from directly or indirectly contracting with Dallas Cowboys players under existing contracts, or inducing them into promotional activities for WFL. The Club alleged tortious interference with contractual relationships. Justice Bateman, presiding over the interlocutory appeal, found no evidence of tortious conduct or threats thereof by WFL. The court emphasized the players' freedom to contract for future services and ruled that such agreements, and their associated publicity, do not constitute tortious interference with existing contracts. Consequently, the trial court was deemed to have abused its discretion in granting the temporary injunction, which was subsequently dissolved.

Tortious InterferenceContract LawProfessional SportsFootball LeagueTemporary InjunctionBreach of ContractFreedom of ContractSports ContractsAppellate ReviewAbuse of Discretion
References
5
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Ankrom v. Dallas Cowboys Football Club, Ltd.

This case concerns a dispute between former professional football player Scott Randall Ankrom and his ex-employer, the Dallas Cowboys Football Club, Ltd., regarding worker's compensation benefits. Ankrom, injured in 1989, filed a claim in 1991, leading to a 1992 award by the Texas Worker’s Compensation Commission. The Club, through its insurer, appealed this award, seeking reimbursement for advance payments made to Ankrom based on a contractual right. The trial court sided with the Club, but Ankrom appealed, arguing the trial court lacked jurisdiction because the Club failed to exhaust administrative remedies by not notifying the Commission of its reimbursement claim. The appellate court agreed, holding that compliance with the statutory procedure for employer reimbursement (Article 8309, section 4(b)) was mandatory and a prerequisite for district court jurisdiction. Consequently, the appellate court vacated the trial court's judgment and dismissed the Club's claims.

Worker's Compensation LawAdministrative ExhaustionJurisdiction DisputeEmployer ReimbursementStatutory InterpretationTexas Civil StatutesAdvance PaymentsContractual ObligationAppellate ReviewProfessional Athlete Injury
References
19
Case No. 2023 NY Slip Op 00701
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 09, 2023

Matter of Iwuchukwu (Active Transp. Servs.--Commissioner of Labor)

The case involves an appeal by Active Transport Services (ATS) from decisions of the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board. The Board ruled that Godwin Iwuchukwu, a delivery driver for ATS, was an employee and eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, and that ATS was liable for contributions. The Appellate Division, Third Department, affirmed these decisions, finding substantial evidence supported the Board's determination of an employment relationship, based on ATS's control over drivers, and that Iwuchukwu had not voluntarily left employment without good cause, as he cited a lack of work.

Unemployment InsuranceEmployment RelationshipIndependent ContractorDelivery DriverLogistics BrokerSubstantial EvidenceUnemployment Benefits EligibilityVoluntary Leaving EmploymentDisqualifying MisconductAppellate Review
References
16
Case No. 2016-1618 K C
Regular Panel Decision
Mar 22, 2019

Active Care Med. Supply Corp. v. American Tr. Ins. Co.

This case concerns an appeal by Active Care Medical Supply Corp. against American Transit Ins. Co. regarding first-party no-fault benefits. The plaintiff, an assignee of Luciano Ernesto, sought summary judgment, while the defendant cross-moved to either dismiss the complaint or hold the action in abeyance. The defendant argued that Luciano Ernesto might be eligible for workers' compensation benefits, thus requiring a determination from the Workers' Compensation Board. The Civil Court granted the defendant's cross-motion to hold the action in abeyance. The Appellate Term affirmed this decision, reiterating that the Workers' Compensation Board has primary jurisdiction over the applicability of the Workers' Compensation Law and that courts should defer to the Board's determination.

No-Fault BenefitsWorkers' Compensation LawPrimary JurisdictionAbeyanceAppellate TermSummary JudgmentEligibility DisputeFirst-Party BenefitsInsurance CoverageAssignor-Assignee
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 06, 1994

Active Glass Corp. v. Architectural & Ornamental Iron Workers Local Union 580

Active Glass Corp. sought to enjoin a labor arbitration demanded by Iron Union and Iron Funds, proposing instead a multiparty arbitration with Glaziers and Carpenters unions and their respective funds. Iron cross-moved to compel bilateral arbitration with Active, while Glaziers and Carpenters sought dismissal of Active's petition. The court confirmed the existence of an arbitration agreement between Active and Iron for the underlying dispute. Citing recent Second Circuit precedent, the court ruled it lacked authority to compel multiparty arbitration absent the parties' explicit consent. Consequently, Active's motion for preliminary injunction and multiparty arbitration was denied, and Iron's motion to compel bilateral arbitration was granted.

ArbitrationCollective Bargaining AgreementLabor DisputePreliminary InjunctionSummary JudgmentMultiparty ArbitrationBilateral ArbitrationFederal Arbitration ActJurisdictional DisputeContract Interpretation
References
23
Case No. ADJ10229956
Regular
Aug 13, 2018

VIRGIL GRAY vs. ARENA FOOTBALL LEAGUE, SAN JOSE SABERCATS, ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE, UNINSURED EMPLOYER BENEFITS TRUST FUND

This case denies the defendants' petition for reconsideration of a finding of joint employment for an industrial knee injury. The applicant, Virgil Gray, was found to be a joint employee of both the Arena Football League and the San Jose SaberCats, despite receiving paychecks from the League. Evidence such as the San Jose SaberCats' direct control over the applicant's work, provision of equipment, and housing, supported the finding that both entities exercised the right to direct and control his activities. The Appeals Board affirmed the administrative law judge's decision, finding the totality of the record supported joint employment.

joint employmentspecial employergeneral employerArena Football LeagueSan Jose SaberCatsZurich American InsuranceUninsured Employer Benefits Trust Fundprofessional athleteindustrial injuryleft knee
References
13
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Texas Workers' Compensation Insurance Fund v. Rodriguez

Gerardo Rodriguez, an employee of Billy Pugh Company (BPC), sustained a knee injury while jogging to catch a football during a scheduled ten-minute break on company premises. The Texas Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fund denied compensation, arguing he was not in the course and scope of employment and citing an exception for voluntary recreational activities. After initial denials, an appeals panel reversed, prompting the Fund to seek judicial review. The trial court granted summary judgment for Rodriguez. This appellate court affirmed, holding that the injury occurred within the course and scope of employment, as the break originated from and furthered the employer's business. Furthermore, the football tossing activity was deemed a 'reasonable expectancy' of employment given BPC's knowledge, permission, and management participation, thus negating the statutory exception.

Workers' CompensationCourse and Scope of EmploymentPersonal Comfort DoctrineRecreational ActivityScheduled BreakOn-Premises InjurySummary JudgmentAppellate ReviewTexas Labor CodeEmployer Liability
References
6
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Oct 05, 1978

Claim of Bender v. Long Island Lighting Co.

A claimant sustained an arm injury while playing football with coemployees during lunch hour on the employer's parking lot. The record indicated that employees, including supervisory personnel, frequently engaged in athletic activities on the employer's premises, and these activities were not prohibited. Employees remaining on premises for lunch were not required to punch out and were subject to call. The Workers' Compensation Board found that the employer was aware of these activities and that the injury arose out of and in the course of employment. The Board's decision was supported by substantial evidence and was affirmed.

Workers' CompensationLunch Break InjuryRecreational Activity InjuryCourse of EmploymentEmployer KnowledgeSupervisory ParticipationParking Lot InjuryFootball InjuryAccidental InjuryBoard Decision
References
4
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Matter of General Elec. Co. (Elec., Etc., Workers)

A union sought to arbitrate a claim that a company violated an anti-discrimination provision of their collective bargaining agreement by not providing pension credits for time spent on union activities beyond the hours for which the company had agreed to pay. The collective bargaining agreement allowed for arbitration of disputes over its provisions but was silent on pensions. The court ruled that no bona fide dispute existed, as the anti-discrimination clause could not be used to force a change in a separate agreement about paid union time. The court reasoned that providing pension credits for unpaid union activity would discriminate in favor of union representatives, an obligation the company did not have. Therefore, there was no valid ground for arbitration, and the order of the Appellate Division was affirmed.

Collective Bargaining AgreementArbitrationPension CreditsAnti-Discrimination ClauseUnion ActivityEmployee BenefitsLabor DisputeAppellate ReviewJudicial Review of ArbitrationNew York State Law
References
2
Case No. ADJ10232171
Regular
Apr 10, 2017

HERMAN O'BERRY vs. WORLD LEAGUE OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL aka NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE EUROPE (NFL EUROPE), ST. LOUIS RAMS, FAIRMONT PREMIER INSURANCE COMPANY (TIG)

This case concerns a workers' compensation claim for cumulative injury filed by a former professional football player against his former employers and their insurer. The primary issue was the statute of limitations, specifically the date of injury under Labor Code Section 5412, which is when the employee first suffered disability and knew or should have known it was work-related. The Board granted reconsideration to clarify this date, finding that the applicant's filing of his claim application on December 17, 2015, was the earliest documented evidence of his knowledge of the connection between his employment and his cumulative injury, establishing this as the date of injury. The employer's exemption from providing notice under Section 3600.5(e) did not alter this determination regarding the applicant's actual knowledge.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardNFL EuropeSt. Louis RamsLabor Code section 5405Labor Code section 5412cumulative injurydate of injurystatute of limitationspetition for reconsiderationApplication for Adjudication of Claim
References
16
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