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

Case No. ADJ4140574 (VNO 0417628) ADJ3588068 (VNO 0472981)
Regular
Jun 03, 2013

KEVIN THOMPSON vs. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, TRISTAR RISK MANAGEMENT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board awarded applicant Kevin Thompson an additional attorney's fee of $1,500 under Labor Code section 5801. This fee is for services rendered by his attorney in successfully defending against the defendant's petition for writ of review to the Court of Appeal. The Board disallowed the requested clerical fees as section 5801 applies only to attorney services. Additionally, the request for costs under Labor Code section 5811 was denied due to the lack of required itemization and supporting documentation.

Labor Code § 5801Attorney's feePetition for Writ of ReviewAppeals BoardSupplemental awardReasonable attorney's feeAppellate levelPenaltyClerical servicesLabor Code § 5811
References
12
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

National Labor Relations Board v. Goodman

This case involves an appeal concerning the interaction between the National Labor Relations Act and the Bankruptcy Code. Appellants, the NLRB and the Union, challenged a Bankruptcy Court order that shielded James M. Goodman and Goodman Automatic Sprinkler Corporation (GASC) from labor law liabilities based on Goodman's Chapter 7 discharge. The District Court affirmed that Goodman's personal discharge protects him from pre-petition monetary and non-monetary obligations arising from a rejected collective bargaining agreement. However, the court reversed the Bankruptcy Court's finding that GASC was also shielded, concluding that Goodman's discharge does not protect GASC from alleged obligations. The case was remanded to the bankruptcy court for further proceedings, including a determination of the alter-ego status of Goodman and GASC under applicable labor law standards.

BankruptcyChapter 7National Labor Relations ActUnfair Labor PracticesAlter Ego DoctrineCollective Bargaining AgreementDischargeable DebtsPrimary JurisdictionLabor LawEmployer Obligations
References
16
Case No. CA 16-00663
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 10, 2017

INTERNATIONAL UNION (DISTRICT) v. NEW YORK STATE DEPT. OF LABOR

This case involves an appeal concerning the interpretation of Labor Law § 220 (3-e) in New York, specifically regarding the prevailing wage for glazier apprentices on public works projects. Plaintiffs, a consortium of unions, individuals, and businesses, challenged the New York State Department of Labor's (DOL) interpretation that glazier apprentices performing work classified for another trade (like ironworkers) must be paid at the journeyman rate for that other trade. The Supreme Court initially dismissed the plaintiffs' complaint, upholding the DOL's position. However, the Appellate Division reversed this decision, ruling that Labor Law § 220 (3-e) permits glazier apprentices registered in a bona fide program to be paid apprentice rates, irrespective of whether the work performed falls under a different trade classification. The court concluded that the DOL's interpretation was contrary to the plain meaning of the statute and thus not entitled to deference.

Apprenticeship ProgramsLabor LawPublic Works ProjectsGlaziersIronworkersPrevailing WageStatutory InterpretationNew York State Department of LaborDeclaratory JudgmentAppellate Review
References
33
Case No. ADJ7275879
Regular
Jun 03, 2013

BRYAN KNITTEL vs. COUNTY OF ALAMEDA

This case clarifies that salary continuation benefits paid to injured public safety officers under Labor Code section 4850 are counted towards the 104-week maximum payment limit for temporary disability under Labor Code section 4656. The Court of Appeal directed the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board to rescind its prior ruling. Consequently, the Board issued a new decision holding that these 4850 benefits do indeed apply to the 104-week limitation.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardRemittiturSalary Continuation BenefitsPublic Safety Officer104-week limitTemporary DisabilityLabor Code Section 4850Labor Code Section 4656Findings and AwardReconsideration
References
0
Case No. ADJ3435344 (OAK 0335356), ADJ6942722
Regular
Dec 27, 2011

CHARLES KESECKER vs. MARIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the applicant's petition for reconsideration regarding Labor Code section 4850 benefits but granted the defendant's petition regarding the Labor Code section 132a discrimination claim. The Board affirmed the administrative law judge's decision to set aside the Compromise and Release agreement. However, it reversed the finding of a Labor Code section 132a violation, holding the employer's mandatory psychological fitness exam was a lawful requirement for peace officers, not discriminatory based on the industrial nature of the injury. Consequently, the $10,000 award for discrimination and associated attorney's fees were vacated.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardLabor Code Section 132aPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardCompromise and ReleaseTemporary Disability BenefitsLabor Code Section 4850Industrial InjuryPsycheHypertension
References
5
Case No. ADJ8010054
Regular
Feb 18, 2016

REBECCA GAGE vs. COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) reversed a prior ruling that disability pension advances under Labor Code section 4850.4 constitute "compensation" subject to penalties for unreasonable delay. The Board held that these advances are distinct from workers' compensation benefits and are administered through a separate system, thus not triggering Labor Code section 5814 penalties. This decision aligns with prior rulings regarding similar special benefits for public safety officers under section 4850. Consequently, any unreasonable delay in paying these advances is not subject to a penalty.

Labor Code section 4850.4disability pension advancescompensationLabor Code section 3207Labor Code section 5814penaltyremovalreconsiderationdeputy sheriffCounty of Sacramento
References
20
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Pardo v. Bialystoker Center & Bikur Cholim, Inc.

The plaintiff appealed two orders from the Supreme Court, New York County. The first order, dated September 12, 2002, and the second, dated February 27, 2003, had denied the plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment on liability under Labor Law § 240 (1) and precluded him from asserting Labor Law claims at trial concerning the alleged failure of defendants to secure a scaffold with "tie-ins." The appellate court modified the lower court's orders, vacating the provisions that barred the plaintiff from offering evidence regarding the defendants' alleged failure to use tie-ins. The court affirmed the orders in all other respects. It emphasized that under Labor Law § 240 (1), a plaintiff only needs to demonstrate that injuries were partially attributable to the defendant's failure to implement statutorily mandated safety measures to protect against elevation-related risks. The court also clarified that contributory negligence is irrelevant in such cases. The plaintiff's belated request to plead a violation of Industrial Code § 23-5.8 (g) was denied due to an unequivocal waiver of his Labor Law § 241 (6) cause of action.

Labor LawScaffold SafetySummary JudgmentElevation HazardsProximate CauseContributory NegligenceTie-insWorkplace AccidentStatutory Safety MeasuresAppellate Decision
References
7
Case No. ADJ8887982
Regular
Aug 29, 2014

ALVARO VIRGEN vs. COSTA VIEW FARM 2, ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY

This case involves sanctions imposed on attorney Kyle K. Neilsen under Labor Code § 5813. Neilsen's apology for contemptuous remarks about a Workers' Compensation Judge was deemed insufficient as he continued to justify his behavior. The Board found his attempt to excuse his actions indicated a lack of appreciation for the severity of his offense. Consequently, Neilsen was ordered to pay $950.00 in sanctions to the General Fund.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSanctionsLabor Code § 5813WCJ EllisContemptuous statementsJustificationFrustrationPleadingTravelOrange County
References
0
Case No. ADJ 2437239 (AHM 0140146)
Regular
Aug 24, 2010

LAWRENCE MOORE vs. COUNTY OF ORANGE, Permissibly SelfInsured, Adjusted By SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RISK MANAGEMENT

This case involves a sheriff's deputy who sustained industrial injuries to his spine, knees, and shoulder. He retired from service to receive retirement benefits. The defendant argued that Labor Code Section 4850 benefits, which provide leave of absence without loss of salary for up to one year, should not be awarded post-retirement. However, the Board affirmed the award, holding that Section 4850 benefits are not automatically terminated upon service retirement for those under the County Employees Retirement Law of 1937, unlike those retired under the Public Employees' Retirement System. The applicant's testimony indicated he did not voluntarily leave the labor market, thus maintaining his eligibility for temporary disability and Section 4850 benefits.

Labor Code section 4850sheriff's special officertemporary total disabilityretirementservice retirement1937 Actsafety officerleave of absenceloss of salaryearning capacity
References
5
Case No. ADJ9668616
Regular
Oct 05, 2015

FREDRICK KEPLINGER vs. CITY OF UKIAH

The WCAB affirmed the finding of industrial psyche injury for a police officer, holding the employer's arguments regarding insufficient medical evidence unpersuasive as the QME considered applicant's stressors. The Board rescinded the prior award, ruling the applicant was entitled to leave of absence without loss of salary (Labor Code section 4850) until January 15, 2015, when he consented to retirement, due to the employer's premature disability retirement application and the applicant not being permanent and stationary. This decision was based on Government Code section 21164, which prohibits involuntary retirement before the termination of section 4850 benefits or attainment of permanent and stationary status. The applicant was awarded accrued section 4850 benefits totaling $54,135.51 and future medical treatment.

PSYCHE INJURYLABOR CODE SECTION 4850PERMANENT AND STATIONARY STATUSGOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 21164INDUSTRIAL DISABILITY RETIREMENTGOOD FAITH PERSONNEL ACTIONSSUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCEPANEL QUALIFIED MEDICAL EVALUATORTEMPORARY DISABILITYLEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT LOSS OF SALARY
References
2
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