CompFox Logo
AboutWorkflowFeaturesPricingCase LawInsights

Updated Daily

Case Law Database

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

Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Apr 25, 1989

Donatin v. Sea Crest Trading Co.

An employee of Sea Crest Linen Supply Company sustained personal injuries when a plaster ceiling collapsed. After receiving workers' compensation benefits, the plaintiff initiated a negligence action against Sea Crest Trading Co., Inc., the building owner, for inadequate maintenance. The Supreme Court granted the defendant's motion for summary judgment, citing the exclusivity provisions of the Workers' Compensation Law. However, the appellate court reversed this decision, distinguishing the precedents relied upon by the lower court. The appellate court found a triable issue of fact regarding whether the defendant was an 'alter ego' of the employer, thereby questioning the applicability of the workers' compensation defense.

NegligencePersonal InjuryWorkers' Compensation ExclusivitySummary JudgmentAlter Ego DoctrineEmployer LiabilityPremises LiabilityAppellate ReviewTriable Issue of FactMotion Practice
References
13
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Dec 15, 1997

In re the Claim of Martin

The case involves Crest Mainstream, Inc., a private school owner, appealing a decision by the Unemployment Insurance Appeal Board. The Board found Crest liable for unemployment insurance contributions for a speech pathologist claimant and similarly situated individuals, classifying them as employees rather than independent contractors. The court affirmed the Board's decision, citing substantial evidence of Crest's control over important aspects of the services performed, even though the claimant retained some control over her work product. Key factors included Crest soliciting services, referring students, requiring adherence to directives, handling cancellations, addressing parental concerns, and having authority to remove claimant from cases.

Unemployment InsuranceIndependent ContractorEmployee ClassificationEmployer LiabilityAppealAdministrative LawControl TestPrivate SchoolSpeech PathologyAppellate Review
References
5
Case No. ADJ2583064
Regular
Oct 12, 2009

ARMANDO ALEJANDRE, ALICIA ALEJANDRE vs. VALLEY CREST COMPANIES

The defendant's petition for reconsideration is granted to allow sufficient time to study the factual and legal issues.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationArmando AlejandreAlicia AlejandreValley Crest CompaniesSelf-InsuredADJ2583064OAK 0340777Opinion and OrderFactual Issues
References
0
Case No. ADJ6763029
Regular
Dec 11, 2018

MARTIN RODRIGUEZ vs. VALLEY CREST LANDSCAPING, GALLAGHER BASSETT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) dismissed Martin Rodriguez's Petition for Removal as untimely. The petition was filed over 25 days after the WCJ's July 28, 2015 decision, exceeding the allowed filing period. Timeliness requires actual receipt by the WCAB, not just mailing. Had it been timely, the petition would have been denied on the merits, adopting the WCJ's reasoning.

Petition for RemovalUntimelyDismissedWCAB Rule 10843(a)WCAB Rule 10507(a)(1)WCAB Rule 10508WCAB Rule 10845(a)WCAB Rule 10392(a)WCJ's reportService by mail
References
0
Case No. ADJ8071753
Regular
Dec 21, 2012

RAFAEL CASTRO vs. VALLEY CREST COMPANIES, ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

The Appeals Board granted the defendant's petition for removal, quashing the applicant's subpoena duces tecum. The Board found the subpoena's request for "any and all logs" to be vague, ambiguous, and unintelligible. Consequently, the employer cannot be compelled to produce documents under such an unclear demand. The applicant must issue a more specific subpoena if he wishes to obtain particular documents.

Petition for RemovalPetition to Quash SubpoenaSubpoena Duces TecumWCJWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardLandskaperIndustrial InjuryVague SubpoenaAmbiguous SubpoenaIntelligent Response
References
0
Case No. ADJ7816367
Regular
Sep 23, 2013

JUAN CAMARENA vs. CORNEJO CREST MANAGEMENT, PACIFIC COMPENSATION NSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied a Petition for Reconsideration filed by lien claimant Physical Rehabilitation Services, represented by AV Management & Collection. The Board adopted the Workers' Compensation Judge's report, which found the lien was properly dismissed for failure to pay the mandatory lien activation fee prior to the lien conference. The Judge also noted the lien claimant used an incorrect document title for their petition and failed to appear at the conference despite proper service. The Board found no basis to impose sanctions on the defendant.

Lien activation feeLabor Code Section 4903.06Petition for ReconsiderationOrder Dismissing LienWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardFigueroa v. Employers Comp. Ins. Co.AV Management CollectionPhysical Rehabilitation Servicescompromise and releaseEAMS
References
1
Case No. ADJ7882921 ADJ7883975 ADJ8176306
Regular
May 01, 2017

SANTIAGO GUTIERREZ vs. VALLEY CREST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE, ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted the defendant's petition for reconsideration regarding an injury to the applicant's right hand. While upholding the finding of industrial injury, the Board amended the administrative law judge's award to reflect a correct occupational variant (491F) and a reduced permanent disability rating of 3%. The opinions of the Agreed Medical Evaluator were deemed substantial evidence, and the defendant's challenge to them was unsuccessful. The Board affirmed the findings on the other two injury claims, as they were not contested in the petition.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSantiago GutierrezValley Crest Landscape MaintenanceAce American Insurance CompanyESIS Inc.ADJ7882921ADJ7883975ADJ8176306Opinion and OrderPetition for Reconsideration
References
0
Case No. ADJ3371067 (VNO 0458070) ADJ4100976 (VNO 0493655)
Regular
Sep 11, 2013

WILLIAM JOHNSON vs. ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRIES dba VALLEY CREST, Permissibly Self-Insured; Adjusted by ESIS

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board amended a prior award concerning lien claims for medical treatment by two doctors. The Board allowed Dr. Kottler's medical treatment liens based on a prior agreement, but reduced payment for his medical reports to the Official Medical Fee Schedule rates. Conversely, Dr. Singh's lien for medical treatment was rescinded as he failed to meet his burden of proof to establish the reasonableness and necessity of his treatment. The majority opinion found the agreement with Dr. Kottler enforceable, while a dissenting opinion disagreed with its interpretation and favored the fee schedule amounts.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationMedical Treatment LiensOfficial Medical Fee ScheduleBurden of ProofCompromise and ReleaseAgreed Medical ExaminerPsychiatric TreatmentCustomary FeeMedical-Legal Reports
References
0
Case No. ADJ970780 (AHM 0124230)
Regular
Jul 28, 2014

GUSTAVO DE LA CRUZ vs. BRIAN THOMAS PETERS dba BRIAN'S PLUMBING SERVICE, CREST AUTO BODY, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND, UNINSURED EMPLOYERS BENEFITS TRUST FUND

This case involves a petition for reconsideration filed by the defendant regarding a prior decision. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has granted this petition to allow for further study of the factual and legal issues. This reconsideration is necessary to ensure a complete understanding of the record and to issue a just decision. All future communications in this matter must be filed in writing with the WCAB Commissioners' office.

Petition for ReconsiderationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardBrian's Plumbing ServiceState Compensation Insurance FundUninsured Employers Benefits Trust FundADJ970780AHIM 0124230Opinion and OrderStatutory Time ConstraintsFactual and Legal Issues
References
0
Showing 1-9 of 9 results

Ready to streamline your practice?

Apply these legal strategies instantly. CompFox helps you find decisions, analyze reports, and draft pleadings in minutes.

CompFox Logo

The AI standard for workers' compensation professionals. Faster research, deeper analysis, better outcomes.

Product

  • Platform
  • Workflow
  • Features
  • Pricing

Solutions

  • Defense Firms
  • Applicants' Attorneys
  • Insurance carriers
  • Medical Providers

Company

  • About
  • Insights
  • Case Law

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Trust
  • Cookies
  • Subscription

© 2026 CompFox Inc. All rights reserved.

Systems Operational