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Case Law Database

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

Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Hafeman v. PROTEIN DISCOVERY, INC.

Dean G. Hafemen sued Protein Discovery, Inc. for breach of an employment contract after his termination, arguing he was owed severance benefits for a "Termination Without Cause". The trial court sided with the employer, ruling the termination was "For Cause". On appeal, the higher court reversed this decision. The appellate court found the employer failed to demonstrate a "material adverse effect" on the company from Hafemen's actions, and also determined that the termination notice provided by the employer was contractually deficient. Consequently, the court held that Hafemen's termination did not meet the contractual definition of "Termination For Cause."

Breach of ContractEmployment TerminationSeverance BenefitsMaterial Adverse EffectContractual ObligationsAppellate ReviewNotice ProvisionFor Cause TerminationWithout Cause TerminationTennessee Law
References
3
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Speed v. Omega Protein, Inc.

Plaintiff Charles Speed sued Omega Protein, Inc. for personal injuries sustained while working on a vessel. Defendant filed a motion to dismiss for improper venue or to transfer venue, citing a forum-selection clause in Speed's employment contract. The Court denied the motion to dismiss but granted the motion to transfer the case from the Southern District of Texas to the Western District of Louisiana. The decision weighed factors such as the enforceability of the forum-selection clause, convenience of witnesses, location of the alleged wrong, and the plaintiff's choice of forum, concluding that the balance favored transfer.

Forum selection clauseTransfer of venueSeamen's rightsAdmiralty lawPersonal injuryEmployment contractFederal rules of civil procedureU.S. Code Title 28Judicial discretionWitness convenience
References
21
Case No. 2017-08-0964
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 17, 2018

Jefferson, Willie v. Solae, LLC

Willie Jefferson, an employee of Solae, LLC, filed a Petition for Benefit Determination seeking workers' compensation benefits for end-stage renal disease, which he attributed to soy protein exposure during his employment. An Expedited Hearing was held to assess his likelihood of prevailing on the merits. The Court determined that Mr. Jefferson failed to present sufficient medical evidence to establish a causal link between his work and his condition. Multiple physicians consistently indicated the cause of his renal failure was unknown or explicitly stated it was not work-related. Consequently, the Court denied his request for medical and temporary disability benefits.

Workers' CompensationEnd-Stage Renal DiseaseOccupational ExposureMedical CausationExpedited HearingBurden of ProofMedical EvidenceRenal InsufficiencyDialysisSoy Protein
References
5
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

White v. Omega Protein Corp.

Plaintiff, a Corporate Vice President at Omega, was terminated after five years, aged 50, due to perceived failures in overseeing government affairs, specifically involving fishing incidents in New Jersey, Mississippi, and Alabama. He subsequently filed a lawsuit alleging age discrimination under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and wrongful interference with benefits under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Defendants moved for summary judgment, citing legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons for his termination, including poor performance and a "same actor" inference. The court granted summary judgment to the defendants, concluding that the plaintiff failed to demonstrate that the defendants' reasons were a pretext for discrimination, and dismissed all claims with prejudice.

Age DiscriminationADEAERISASummary JudgmentEmployment LawWrongful TerminationPretextMcDonnell Douglas Burden-ShiftingSame Actor InferenceCorporate Executive
References
11
Case No. ADJ8619480
Regular
Nov 22, 2019

MARCO MARTINEZ, vs. BRAM, LLC, aka VALLEY PROTEIN, LLC, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION, administered by SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The WCAB rescinded an arbitrator's decision finding CIGA liable for benefits because the record lacked required findings, stipulations, and evidence, violating WCAB Rule 10566 and *Hamilton*. CIGA argued the policy was canceled due to the employer's failure to pay premiums, which the broker did not timely forward to the insolvent insurer. The Board noted that policy cancellation requires 10 days' written notice and that CIGA is not an insurer with the same responsibilities. The case is returned to the arbitrator to create an adequate record and issue a proper decision.

CIGAinsolvent insurerCastlepointpremium paymentpolicy cancellationauthorized agentWCAB Rule 10566Hamilton v. Lockheed Corp.arbitration recordfindings of fact
References
6
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Met-Rx USA, Inc. v. Shipman

Donald Jonathan Shipman filed a class-action lawsuit against MET-Rx USA, Inc., MET-Rx Substrate Technology, Inc., A. Scott Connelly, and Baylor Health Enterprises, Inc., alleging misrepresentation of MET-Rx product safety. Shipman claimed that the high protein concentration in MET-Rx products caused his kidney problems and sought declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as attorney's fees. The Appellants appealed the class certification order, arguing that Shipman lacked standing. The court found that Shipman, having discontinued using MET-Rx products and with no intent to use them in the future, lacked standing to pursue claims for future injunctive or declaratory relief. Therefore, the court reversed the class certification order and dismissed Shipman's suit for want of jurisdiction.

Class ActionStandingJurisdictionDeclaratory ReliefInjunctive ReliefDeceptive Trade PracticesMisrepresentationFraudProduct LiabilityConsumer Protection
References
33
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