Ellis Hobbs vs. New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Great Divine Insurance Company c/o Berkley Specialty Underwriting Managers
Great Divide Insurance Company (GDIC) sought to change venue from Anaheim to San Francisco for a workers' compensation claim filed by applicant Ellis Hobbs. Hobbs initially chose Anaheim as the venue based on his attorney's principal place of business. GDIC timely objected to this venue selection, as permitted by Labor Code section 5501.5(c). Because Hobbs does not reside in California and his last injurious exposure occurred in San Francisco, the Appeals Board granted GDIC's Petition for Removal and ordered the venue changed to the San Francisco district office.