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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

TXU Generation Co. v. Public Utility Commission

The Texas Court of Appeals, Austin, reviewed a direct appeal challenging the Public Utility Commission's Wholesale Market Oversight (WMO) Rule. Appellants, a group of market participants, argued the rule exceeded the Commission's statutory authority, was unconstitutionally vague, constituted an unconstitutional taking, and violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) regarding notice and concise statement of authority. The court, led by Justice Bea Ann Smith, affirmed the validity of the WMO Rule. It held that the Commission possessed broad authority under PURA to regulate the wholesale electricity market to protect public interest, consumers, and ensure reasonably priced ancillary services, even if some prohibited conduct was unintentional. The court also found the rule provided sufficient notice and did not invite arbitrary enforcement, nor did it constitute an unconstitutional taking or violate APA procedures. Ultimately, the court affirmed the validity of the WMO Rule, concluding that it reasonably promotes competition and fulfills legislative goals for the electricity market.

Electricity RegulationWholesale Energy MarketPublic Utility CommissionAdministrative LawStatutory InterpretationConstitutional ChallengesMarket Power AbuseConsumer ProtectionTexas LawDirect Appeal
References
38
Case No. 03-23-00279-CV
Regular Panel Decision
May 21, 2025

Mike Morath, in His Official Capacity as Commissioner of Education for the Texas Education Agency v. Texas State Teachers Association

The Texas Court of Appeals reviewed a challenge brought by the Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) against Mike Morath, Commissioner of Education, concerning the validity of administrative Rule 97.1075(c)(1). TSTA contended that the rule, which grants "final" and "sole" authority to operating partners over district employees assigned to charter schools, infringed upon teachers' statutory rights. The trial court sided with TSTA, declaring the entire subsection invalid. On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed the invalidation of parts (C) and (D) of the rule, agreeing they improperly curtailed teachers' rights by making decisions unreviewable. However, the court reversed the trial court's decision regarding parts (A), (B), and (E), deeming them valid because they pertain to employees directly hired by the operating partner and do not impact the statutory protections of public school district teachers. The final ruling was affirmed in part and reversed and rendered in part.

Administrative LawEducation LawCharter SchoolsStatutory InterpretationAgency RulesTeachers' RightsTexas Education AgencySummary JudgmentAppellate ReviewRule Validity
References
10
Case No. 3-15-00262-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Aug 10, 2015

Texas Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine v. Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners And Patricia Gilbert, Executive Director in Her Official Capacity

This is an Administrative Procedures Act challenge to the validity of Chiropractic Board rules that authorize chiropractors to engage in the unlicensed practice of acupuncture. The Association sought to invalidate these rules and alternatively sought a declaration that the statutory scheme allowing chiropractors to practice acupuncture is unconstitutional. The trial court granted the Chiropractic Board’s motion for summary judgment and denied the Association’s competing motion. The Association argues that the Chiropractic Board exceeded its statutory authority, and its interpretation of the Acupuncture Chapter is unreasonable and creates public health risks due to inadequate training. Alternatively, the statutory scheme violates the Texas Constitution by favoring one school of medicine and containing more than one subject. The Association also argues that the statute of limitations defense fails.

Administrative LawScope of PracticeChiropractic RegulationAcupuncture RegulationStatutory InterpretationConstitutional LawSeparation of PowersDelegation of AuthorityPublic Health and SafetyProfessional Licensing
References
97
Case No. 22055
Regular Panel Decision

Texas Municipal Power Agency v. Public Utility Commission and City of Bryan

Texas Municipal Power Agency (Municipal Power) challenged a trial court's dismissal of its declaratory judgment action, which was filed alongside an Administrative Procedure Act (APA) appeal. The core issue was whether Municipal Power could simultaneously pursue a declaratory judgment action under the Uniform Declaratory Judgment Act (UDJA) to interpret the general statutory authority of the Public Utility Commission (the Commission) under the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), independently of an APA appeal challenging a specific agency order. The court ruled that the UDJA waives sovereign immunity for claims seeking statutory interpretation against the state. It further determined that a UDJA action aiming to define an agency's general statutory authority is distinct from, and not duplicated by, an APA appeal focusing on the validity of a specific agency action. Consequently, the court reversed the trial court's order granting the pleas to the jurisdiction and remanded the case for further proceedings.

Administrative LawPublic Utility CommissionSovereign ImmunityDeclaratory Judgment ActAPAStatutory InterpretationJurisdictionWholesale ElectricityTransmission CostsMunicipal Utilities
References
20
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Sep 03, 1982

Cerrato v. Thurcon Construction Corp.

This case concerns a construction worker (plaintiff) who sustained serious injuries and sued 211 Thompson Corp. (owner) and Thurcon Construction Corp. (general contractor). Defendant 211 Thompson Corp. raised an affirmative defense of lack of personal jurisdiction due to improper service of process. After the Statute of Limitations had expired, plaintiff moved to strike this defense, while 211 cross-moved to dismiss the action as time-barred. Special Term referred the issue of service validity to a referee, but the plaintiff argued for a jury trial on this factual issue. The Appellate Division, Supreme Court, New York County, modified Special Term's order, directing a jury trial on the validity of the service, while otherwise affirming the original determination. The dissenting opinion argued that the right to a jury trial should not be conditioned on the stage of proceedings or the impact of dismissal on the Statute of Limitations, and furthermore, considered the question of authority to accept service as one of law, not fact.

Jury TrialService of ProcessPersonal JurisdictionStatute of LimitationsAffirmative DefenseAppellate ReviewCPLRProcedural LawConstruction AccidentsNew York Courts
References
3
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

New York Underwriters Insurance Co. v. Ehlinger

This case concerns an appeal by New York Underwriters, a worker's compensation insurer, challenging an Industrial Accident Board (IAB) award of death benefits to the statutory beneficiaries of the deceased worker, Clarence G. Ehlinger. The insurer initially filed an appeal in district court, mistakenly naming the deceased worker as the sole defendant. After the statutory 20-day appeal period expired, an amended petition was filed correctly identifying the beneficiaries as defendants. The trial court dismissed the appeal for lack of jurisdiction, a decision upheld by this court. The court ruled that the original petition naming the deceased was a nullity and did not confer jurisdiction over the beneficiaries, and the subsequent untimely amendment failed to cure this jurisdictional defect. The beneficiaries were thus entitled to stand on the IAB award.

Workers' CompensationJurisdictionTimeliness of AppealIndustrial Accident BoardStatutory BeneficiariesMistaken IdentityParty MisnomerTexas LawAppellate ProcedureDeath Benefits
References
3
Case No. ADJ8132431
Regular
Feb 12, 2018

Nichole Delgado vs. EL TEPEYAC CAFÉ; CRMBC(SIG), AMERICAN CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board affirmed a prior decision finding the defendant liable for a lien claimant's photocopying services. The Board determined the lien claimant complied with statutory requirements for valid liens, including a declaration under penalty of perjury. Furthermore, the defendant failed to timely object to the billed services or their reasonableness within the 60-day period mandated by Labor Code section 4622. Consequently, the defendant is liable for the billed amount, a 10% statutory increase, and interest.

Labor Code section 4622Labor Code section 4903.8medical-legal lienphotocopy servicesdeclaration under penalty of perjuryreasonableness of chargesstatutory increaseinterestobjection periodtimely filing
References
5
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

In Re New York City Off-Track Betting Corp.

Finger Lakes Racing Association and Empire Resorts, Inc. moved to compel New York City Off-Track Betting Corporation (OTB) to pay post-petition statutory distributions under the New York Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, arguing they were mandated and qualified as administrative expenses. The Court denied administrative expense status, reasoning that no "estate" exists in Chapter 9 cases to incur such expenses. Citing ambiguity in the state's Racing Law, paramount federalism concerns, and the regulatory authority of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, the Court abstained from ruling on the specific payment schedule for these distributions. Consequently, the automatic stay was lifted, and the parties were ordered to seek a determination from the Racing and Wagering Board and engage in mediation to resolve the ongoing disputes regarding OTB's restructuring and statutory payments.

Bankruptcy CourtChapter 9 DebtorMunicipal LawState RegulationOff-Track BettingHorse Racing IndustryStatutory InterpretationJudicial AbstentionComity and FederalismAdministrative Claims
References
42
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
May 05, 2000

Pain Resource Center v. Travelers Insurance

This case addresses a dispute regarding the payment of first-party no-fault benefits to a health provider, Pain Resource Center, as the assignee of John Hiotis, who was injured in an auto accident. The defendant, Travelers Ins. Co., challenged the validity of the assignment and the necessity of the medical services provided. The court affirmed the validity of the assignment under New York's Insurance Law and related regulations. However, based on conflicting expert testimonies, the court limited the compensable medical services to six hours and awarded the plaintiff $566.10, along with statutory interest and attorney's fees.

No-Fault InsuranceFirst-Party BenefitsAssignment ValidityMedical ServicesPeer ReviewInsurance LawHealth Provider ClaimAutomobile AccidentDamagesStatutory Interpretation
References
5
Case No. ADJ1 798995 (SAC 0324817)
Regular
Mar 08, 2016

Richard Hill vs. Tuttle Interior Systems, State Compensation Insurance Fund

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) reversed a finding that an Independent Medical Review (IMR) determination was moot due to untimeliness. The Board held that while the Utilization Review (UR) decision expired, the subsequent IMR determination, even if issued outside statutory timeframes, remained valid. The WCAB emphasized that untimeliness is not a statutory ground to appeal an IMR decision and that IMR timeframes are directory, not mandatory. Consequently, the case was returned to the trial level, with the existing IMR decision binding unless grounds for appeal under Labor Code section 4610.6(h) are established.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationUtilization ReviewIndependent Medical ReviewLabor Code § 4610.6SB 863Medical NecessityDirectory vs. Mandatory TimeframesAdministrative DirectorMaximus Federal Services
References
31
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