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

Case No. 13-08-00269-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Oct 22, 2009

Luzelma Campos, Betty Jo Gonzalez, and Misty Valero v. Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Community Justice Assistance Division, Nueces County Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, Nueces County Community Supervision and Corrections, and Nueces County Adult Probation Department

Appellants Luzelma Campos, Betty Jo Gonzalez, and Misty Valero appealed the trial court's grant of a plea to the jurisdiction in favor of appellees, including the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and Nueces County entities. Appellants alleged federal civil rights violations and torts under the Texas Tort Claims Act, stemming from sexual harassment and assault during their incarceration. The appellate court affirmed the dismissal of the federal civil rights claims under 28 U.S.C. § 1983, determining that the appellees were state entities immune from such suits, and found claims for injunctive relief moot as appellants were no longer incarcerated. However, the court reversed the dismissal of claims under the Texas Tort Claims Act, remanding for further proceedings to allow discovery and amendment of pleadings regarding allegations of premise defect and the use of tangible personal property, consistent with prior rulings.

Plea to the JurisdictionSovereign ImmunityTexas Tort Claims ActFederal Civil RightsSection 1983Premise DefectTangible Personal PropertyNegligent Hiring and SupervisionSexual MisconductIncarceration Conditions
References
15
Case No. 03-00-00398-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jan 11, 2001

Burnet County Sheriff's Department and Burnet County, Texas v. Zarina Carlisle

Zarina Carlisle, a senior correctional officer, sued Burnet County Sheriff's Department and Burnet County for wrongful termination under the Texas Whistleblower Act, alleging retaliation for reporting unprofessional conduct by her supervisor, Captain Wendell Gilmore. Carlisle reported Gilmore's cursing and 'bad-mouthing' to Sheriff Joe Pollack, believing it violated county personnel policies and constituted disorderly conduct under the Texas Penal Code. Burnet County filed a plea to the jurisdiction, arguing that Carlisle failed to allege a 'violation of law' sufficient to waive sovereign immunity. The appellate court agreed, finding that internal personnel policies do not constitute a 'law' under the Whistleblower Act unless promulgated pursuant to a statute or ordinance, which was not established. Furthermore, Carlisle's allegations did not meet the elements for disorderly conduct. The court concluded that Carlisle failed to plead a cause of action sufficient to invoke the Act's waiver of sovereign immunity, reversing the district court's denial of Burnet County's plea to the jurisdiction.

Wrongful TerminationWhistleblower ActSovereign ImmunityPlea to the JurisdictionPublic EmployeeViolation of LawPersonnel PolicyDisorderly ConductTexas Court of AppealsAbuse of Authority
References
43
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Knudsen v. Nassau County Department of Social Services

Thomas and Carol Knudsen initiated an Article 78 proceeding against the Nassau County Department of Social Services, challenging three determinations. First, the denial of emergency assistance for clothing destroyed by pinworms was challenged, with the court ruling that the county's reliance on a State regulation limiting emergency assistance was invalid. The defense was struck, and the request was remanded for re-evaluation. Second, the reduction of their Aid to Dependent Children grant in December 1973, without proper notice and opportunity for a hearing, was annulled. Third, the denial of assistance to Mr. Knudsen in January 1974, due to the department's failure to transfer his name for supplemental security income, was also addressed. The court granted judgment in favor of the petitioners, directing relief consistent with its rulings and ordering the Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Social Services to appear and explain the department's persistent policy regarding emergency assistance limitations.

Emergency AssistanceSocial Services LawPublic AssistanceAid to Dependent ChildrenWelfare BenefitsDue ProcessFair HearingAdministrative LawStatutory InterpretationNassau County DSS
References
27
Case No. 04-13-00080-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 17, 2013

Nelson Wolff, County Judge of Bexar County Texas, Bexar County Commissioners Paul Elizondo, Tommy Adkisson, Sergio Chico Rodriguez and Kevin Wolff And Bexar County, Texas v. Deputy Constables Association of Bexar

The Deputy Constables Association of Bexar County sued Nelson Wolff, et al., alleging a violation of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act for failing to engage in collective bargaining. The case originated from the trial court's denial of Wolff's plea to the jurisdiction and motion to dismiss. The central legal question on appeal was whether the Deputy Constables possessed the standing to collectively bargain under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 174, which restricts this right to "police officers" employed in a political subdivision's "police department." The Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, Texas, analyzed relevant statutory definitions and precedent, distinguishing between the Sheriff's Office (considered a "police department" for the county) and the Constable's Office. Concluding that Deputy Constables are not employed by the "police department" or the Sheriff's Office, the court determined they do not meet the statutory definition of "police officer" and thus lack standing to pursue their claim. Consequently, the appellate court reversed the trial court's decision and rendered judgment in favor of Wolff, dismissing the suit.

Collective BargainingStandingPolice OfficersLocal Government CodeBexar CountyConstable's OfficeSheriff's OfficeStatutory InterpretationAppellate ReviewPlea to Jurisdiction
References
15
Case No. 06-13-00103-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 16, 2014

the Fannin County Community Supervision and Corrections Department v. Glenda Spoon

The Fannin County Community Supervision and Corrections Department appeals the denial of its plea to the jurisdiction in a whistleblower action filed by its former employee, Glenda Spoon. Spoon alleged she was terminated for reporting various violations of law, including illegal campaigning and embezzlement, to the District Attorney. The Department claims Spoon's reports were not made in good faith and that she was terminated for failing to follow orders regarding a client's SAFPF admission and the chain of command. The court affirmed the trial court's denial of the plea, finding Spoon raised sufficient fact issues regarding her good-faith belief of reported violations and a causal link between her report and termination. The court identified a Fannin County Personnel Policy Manual section as a 'law' implicated by Spoon's report.

Whistleblower ActPublic Employee RetaliationSovereign Immunity WaiverPlea to the JurisdictionFannin CountyCommunity Supervision and Corrections DepartmentIllegal CampaigningEmbezzlement AllegationsTexas Government CodePersonnel Policy Violation
References
41
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Lay v. Scott County Sheriff's Department

Jerry Brandon Lay, a deputy sheriff for Scott County Sheriff's Department, was injured in an automobile accident in October 2000, sustaining neck, shoulder, arm, and back injuries. He underwent surgery for a bulging disc and was rated with a 13% whole body disability, reaching maximum medical improvement in January 2002. After initially returning to the Sheriff's Department at the same pay, Lay voluntarily resigned for a higher-paying job, only to be rehired by the Sheriff's Department at a lower wage after his surgery. The trial court awarded Lay 60% permanent partial disability, believing the 2.5 times impairment rating statutory cap did not apply as he was not returned to the same position at the same wage. The Supreme Court reversed this decision, asserting that the 2.5 times cap applies when an employee has a meaningful return to work and resigns for reasons unrelated to the injury, regardless of later returning at a lower wage. Consequently, Lay's award was modified to 32.5% permanent partial disability, which is 2.5 times his 13% impairment rating.

Workers' CompensationPermanent Partial DisabilityMeaningful Return to WorkStatutory CapsVoluntary ResignationWage DiscrepancySpinal InjuryMedical Impairment RatingAppellate ReviewTennessee Law
References
11
Case No. 09-03-051 CV
Regular Panel Decision
Dec 11, 2003

Magnolia Bend Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. v. John J. McDonnell and Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 5

The Magnolia Bend Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (Fire Department) sued Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. 5 (the District) and John McDonnell, alleging improper transfer of property and breach of fiduciary duty. The District counterclaimed, asserting the original deed placing title in the Fire Department's name was constitutionally void and seeking a resulting trust. The trial court sided with the District, finding the deed void and imposing a resulting trust, and ruled against the Fire Department's claims. The Fire Department appealed, raising issues regarding McDonnell's fiduciary duty, the voidness of the deed, and the imposition of a resulting trust. The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's judgment, finding no reversible error in the trial court's findings.

Warranty DeedAssignment of LeaseBreach of Fiduciary DutyResulting TrustConstitutional LawTexas ConstitutionProperty OwnershipPublic FundsVolunteer Fire DepartmentEmergency Services District
References
12
Case No. 07-18-00324-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 27, 2019

David Sloan Federal Public Defender's Office, Lubbock, Texas Greg Abbott, Governor of the State of Texas Ken Paxton, Attorney General of the State of Texas Steven C. McCraw, Director, Texas Department of Public Safety Sheriff Cliff Harris, Pecos County Pecos County Sheriff's Department v. John Alan Conroy

Steven C. McCraw, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), appealed the denial of a plea to the jurisdiction in a case brought by John Alan Conroy. Conroy, a pro se inmate, sought electronic recordings of an interrogation related to a federal child pornography conviction and $20,000,000 in damages for alleged constitutional rights violations under the Texas Constitution. McCraw argued sovereign immunity barred Conroy's claims for monetary damages. The Court of Appeals construed Conroy's petition as a suit for a writ of mandamus under the Texas Public Information Act (PIA) regarding the disclosure of the recordings, which is not barred by sovereign immunity. The court affirmed the denial of McCraw's plea to the jurisdiction regarding the mandamus action but modified the order to dismiss Conroy's claim for monetary damages due to sovereign immunity.

Sovereign ImmunityPublic Information ActMandamusDue ProcessTrial Court JurisdictionAppellate ReviewTexas Government CodeTexas Family CodePro Se LitigantDeclaratory Judgment
References
13
Case No. 93 CV 4888 (ADS)
Regular Panel Decision

Wenzel v. Nassau County Police Department

The plaintiff, Mary Ann Wenzel, a former Nassau County Police Officer, sued the Nassau County Police Department under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging civil rights violations and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The defendants sought dismissal, claiming the statute of limitations had expired. Wenzel argued for tolling the statute due to insanity under CPLR § 208. Magistrate Judge Viktor V. Pohorelsky recommended against tolling, finding Wenzel capable of protecting her legal rights. District Judge Spatt adopted this recommendation, ruling that Wenzel did not meet the "insanity" criteria for tolling the statute of limitations. Consequently, the defendants' motion for judgment on the pleadings was granted, and the case was dismissed.

Civil RightsStatute of LimitationsTolling ProvisionInsanity Defense42 U.S.C. Section 1983CPLR Section 208Federal Rules of Civil ProcedureJudicial ReviewMotion to DismissDepression
References
9
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Anderberg v. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The petitioners, residents along Clove Road, initiated a CPLR article 78 proceeding against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Ulster County Department of Public Works (Ulster County). The proceeding challenged DEC's decision to issue a stream disturbance permit for the replacement of a bridge on Clove Road, arguing that the project required a full State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) review, including an environmental assessment form (EAF). DEC and Ulster County classified the project as a Type II action, asserting it was a "replacement in kind" and thus exempt from comprehensive SEQRA review. The court found that the respondents had adequately considered environmental factors and that their classification of the project was not arbitrary or capricious. Consequently, the court dismissed the petition, ruling that no further SEQRA review was necessary. Additionally, the court denied the petitioners' motion for a default judgment against the Town of Gardiner concerning two other bridges, deeming the request premature.

Environmental LawSEQRA ComplianceBridge ConstructionAdministrative ReviewType II ActionStream Disturbance PermitPublic Works ProjectJudicial ScrutinyUlster CountyNew York State DEC
References
7
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