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

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. 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. 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. ADJ8211363
Regular
Sep 23, 2014

LUIS GONZALES vs. ROBERT HEELY CONSTRUCTION, TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the defendant's petition for reconsideration of an award finding cumulative trauma injury to the applicant's lungs from Valley Fever. The WCJ reserved jurisdiction over final permanent disability, deeming the disease insidious and potentially reoccurring, despite the applicant's current stable condition. The Board affirmed the WCJ's decision, citing medical evidence of potential relapse and the precedent allowing jurisdiction reservation for insidious progressive diseases. A dissenting opinion argued the medical evidence did not support classifying Valley Fever as insidious and progressive in this case, and thus jurisdiction should not have been reserved beyond the statutory limit.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and Awardcumulative trauma injuryValley Fevercoccidioidomycosisinsidious progressive diseasepermanent disabilityreservation of jurisdictionAgreed Medical Examiner
References
Case No. ADJ7617012, ADJ8069518
Regular
Jan 08, 2016

MARIANA CASTRO vs. DENTAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE dba SA SOLEIMANI DENTAL CORPORATION, EMPLOYERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of a stipulation and order to pay a lien claimant. The defendant argued the judge lacked jurisdiction as the lien claimant had been previously dismissed for failing to appear at a conference. The Board found the judge acted in excess of jurisdiction by approving the order while the dismissal order was still in effect. Good cause existed to rescind the order because the lien claimant was properly dismissed and failed to seek rescission before appearing at trial.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardLien Claimant DismissalPetition for ReconsiderationStipulation and OrderJurisdictionVoidable OrderGood CauseRescissionLabor CodeLien Conference
References
Case No. ADJ6836868
Regular
Feb 03, 2012

STEPHEN SEAVELLO vs. COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO

This case concerns a deputy sheriff diagnosed with skin cancer, with a presumption that it arose from his employment. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board reversed the administrative law judge's finding that the skin cancer was an "insidious disease process" and the subsequent reservation of jurisdiction over permanent disability. The Board determined that the applicant's condition was found to be permanent and stationary, and not a progressive insidious disease, thus precluding jurisdiction beyond the statutory five-year limit for amendments. Consequently, the original award of 4% permanent disability and need for future medical treatment was reinstated, but without the reservation of jurisdiction.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardStephen SeavelloCounty of San DiegoSkin CancerDeputy SheriffPermanent DisabilityFuture Medical TreatmentInsidious Disease ProcessReservation of JurisdictionLabor Code Section 5804
References
Case No. ADJ1303018 (ANA 0382837)
Regular
May 18, 2009

GEORGE T. JOHNSON vs. NEW JERSEY NETS, INA/ACE USA, SEATTLE SUPERSONICS, WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & INDUSTRY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded a prior ruling finding California had jurisdiction over Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (Washington L&I) in a claim by former NBA player George T. Johnson. The WCAB determined personal jurisdiction over Washington L&I was not established and that the issue is moot unless Washington L&I was duly authorized to provide workers' compensation insurance in California per Labor Code section 3700. The case is returned to the trial level to determine if the employer, Seattle Supersonics, was lawfully insured or self-insured in California during the alleged injury period, which could result in Seattle being held liable as an uninsured employer.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardWashington State Department of Labor & IndustriesSeattle Supersonicsjurisdictionsubject matter jurisdictionpersonal jurisdictioncumulative trauma injuryprofessional basketball playeruninsured employerduly authorized insurer
References
Case No. ADJ9088316
Regular
Sep 20, 2022

FRANKLIN OLIVER vs. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS, ESIS

This case involves a former professional athlete claiming permanent total disability due to a progressive brain injury. The Appeals Board affirmed a 98% permanent disability award but will reserve jurisdiction for future reassessment due to the insidious and progressive nature of the applicant's condition, as per the *Jackson* doctrine. The Board rejected the claim for conclusive presumption of permanent total disability under Labor Code section 4662(a)(4), finding insufficient evidence of permanent mental incapacity based on medical opinions. Further, temporary disability benefits were denied as the applicant was employed post-football career until retirement.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardFranklin OliverTampa Bay BuccaneersESISAdjudication Number ADJ9088316ReconsiderationFindings and AwardProfessional AthleteOccupational Group 590California Subject Matter Jurisdiction
References
Case No. ADJ4661829 (ANA 0401410)
Regular
Dec 12, 2011

Vaughn Booker vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Travelers Insurance Co., TIG Insurance Co., Green Bay Packers, Zurich American Insurance Co.

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board rescinded an award finding jurisdiction over the Cincinnati Bengals, ruling that playing one game in California over three seasons does not constitute "regularly employed" for territorial jurisdiction. The Board found that all conditions under Labor Code section 3600.5(b) were met, establishing that the applicant's employment in California was temporary and covered by Ohio's workers' compensation laws. Therefore, California lacks subject matter jurisdiction over the claim against the Bengals. The case was returned to the trial level to determine jurisdiction over other defendants.

Subject Matter JurisdictionLabor Code Section 3600.5(a)Labor Code Section 3600.5(b)Territorial JurisdictionExtra-Territorial Jurisdiction"Regularly Employed"Temporary EmploymentReciprocityOhio Workers' Compensation ActCumulative Injury
References
Case No. ADJ1455856 (GRO 0032468)
Regular
Jul 08, 2011

GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ vs. SPIESS CONSTRUCTION, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case involves defendant State Compensation Insurance Fund's petition for reconsideration of a Findings and Award. The administrative law judge (WCJ) previously stipulated applicant sustained permanent disability of 37% with no apportionment, reserving jurisdiction on the applicability of the *Ogilvie* decision. The defendant argues the WCJ erred by reserving jurisdiction and rejecting the Agreed Medical Examiner's apportionment. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration and removal to address these contentions, while deferring final decisions on permanent disability, apportionment, and attorney fees.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationPetition for RemovalFindings and AwardPermanent DisabilityApportionmentAgreed Medical ExaminerOgilviePetition to ReopenJurisdiction Reserved
References
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