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

Case No. 15-25-00023-CV
Regular Panel Decision
May 05, 2025

The State of Texas v. Nonparty Patient No. 1, Nonparty Patient No. 2, Nonparty Patient No. 3, Nonparty Patient No. 4, Nonparty Patient No. 5, Nonparty Patient No. 6, Nonparty Patient No. 7, and Nonparty Patient No. 8, Nonparty Patient No. 9, Nonparty Patient No. 10, and Nonparty Patient No. 11

This case involves an appeal by the State of Texas against the denial of its plea to the jurisdiction and plea in abatement. The State, as appellant, initially sued Dr. May C. Lau in Collin County, alleging violations of SB 14 and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and issued subpoenas in Dallas County to obtain medical records of 21 nonparty patients. The appellees, eleven nonparty patients, challenged these subpoenas in Dallas County, asserting physician-patient and mental health information privileges under Texas Rules of Civil Procedure 176.6(e) and 192.6(a). The State argues that sovereign immunity prevents the Dallas County court from hearing these challenges and that the only proper forum is Collin County. The appellees contend that the Texas Supreme Court precedent dictates that rules of civil procedure apply to the State unless explicitly carved out, and that common law principles of sovereign immunity do not extend to discovery disputes.

Sovereign ImmunityDiscovery DisputeSubpoena ChallengeMedical RecordsPatient PrivilegeMental Health PrivilegeRules of Civil ProcedureRules of EvidenceAppellate LawPlea to Jurisdiction
References
191
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

East Texas Medical Center Regional Health Care System v. Reddic

Reddic, a non-patient, slipped on a wet rug at East Texas Medical Center's reception desk, leading to a lawsuit against ETMC. ETMC moved to dismiss, arguing the claim was a health care liability claim (HCLC) requiring an expert report under Chapter 74 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, asserting a departure from accepted standards of safety. Reddic maintained it was a premises liability claim, not an HCLC, thus exempting her from filing an expert report. The dissenting judge contends that Reddic's status as a non-patient not involved in rendering medical care excludes her claim from the TMLA's ambit. The dissent advocates for affirming the trial court's denial of ETMC's motion to dismiss, emphasizing the distinction between patient and non-patient claims in healthcare facilities.

Medical MalpracticePremises LiabilityHealth Care Liability ClaimExpert ReportTexas Civil Practice and Remedies CodeChapter 74TMLASlip and FallHospital LiabilityNon-patient
References
7
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Apr 27, 2012

China Auto Care, LLC v. China Auto Care (Caymans)

Plaintiffs China Auto Care, LLC and China Auto Care Holdings, LLC brought an action against China Auto Care (Caymans), Digisec Corporation, and the estate of Chander Oberoi, alleging various causes of action stemming from the 2011 sale of Digisec's assets. Defendants sought to dismiss the complaint and compel arbitration, citing an arbitration clause in the parties' "Business Relationship and Shareholder Agreement." The court analyzed the scope of the arbitration clause under the Federal Arbitration Act. Finding the clause to be broad, the court concluded that the plaintiffs' claims were within its scope, as they "touch matters" governed by the Shareholder Agreement. Consequently, the court granted the defendants' motion, staying the litigation and compelling arbitration.

ArbitrationShareholder AgreementCorporate DisputeMotion to CompelFederal Arbitration ActSecond Circuit PrecedentFraudulent InducementCorporate GovernanceCayman Islands LawStay of Proceedings
References
25
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

In Re North Shore Hematology-Oncology Associates, P.C., Debtor

This memorandum opinion addresses whether the Debtor, a physician-owned healthcare practice, is a health care business under the Bankruptcy Code and if a patient care ombudsman should be appointed. The Court finds the Debtor is a healthcare business but waives the appointment of an ombudsman at this time. The decision is based on several factors, including the Debtor's lack of inpatient services, low patient complaint rate, existing compliance programs (HIPAA, CLIA), ability to maintain high-quality care, and monitoring by the New York State Department of Health. The Court notes the potential for revisiting the appointment if circumstances change.

BankruptcyPatient Care OmbudsmanHealthcare BusinessChapter 11Debtor in PossessionEastern District of New YorkSection 333(a)(1)Bankruptcy CodePatient ProtectionMedical Practice
References
16
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Mar 03, 2008

Texas Mutual Insurance Co. v. Sara Care Child Care Center, Inc.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company appealed two summary judgment orders and a final judgment in favor of its insured, Sara Care Child Care Center, Inc., and employee Martha Martinez. The core issue was whether Sara Care's workers' compensation policy was extended due to Texas Mutual's alleged failure to comply with statutory cancellation notice requirements, thus covering Ms. Martinez's injury. The Workers' Compensation Commission Appeals Panel and the trial court affirmed coverage. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment regarding judicial review of the Appeals Panel decision, Sara Care's common law claims (breach of contract, promissory estoppel), and the attorney's fee award. However, the court reversed and remanded the trial court's judgment on Sara Care's statutory claims (Texas Insurance Code and Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act) and the 'knowingly' finding, stating a fact issue remained on whether coverage liability was 'reasonably clear' for these claims.

Workers' Compensation InsurancePolicy NonrenewalStatutory Notice RequirementsSummary Judgment ReviewAppellate Court DecisionBreach of ContractTexas Insurance Code ViolationsDTPA ViolationsAttorney's FeesJudicial Review
References
30
Case No. 08-08-00192-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Sep 15, 2010

Texas Mutual Insurance Company v. Sara Care Child Care Inc. and Martha Martinez

This case involves an appeal by Texas Mutual Insurance Company (TMI) against Sara Care Child Care Center, Inc. and Martha Martinez, challenging summary judgment orders and a final judgment. The core dispute revolves around workers' compensation insurance coverage for an employee's work-related injury, which TMI denied based on policy expiration. The appeals panel and trial court found TMI liable due to its failure to comply with Texas Labor Code Section 406.008 notice requirements for policy cancellation or nonrenewal, extending Sara Care's coverage. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision regarding TMI's judicial review petition and its liability for common law claims and attorney's fees. However, the court reversed and remanded the judgment concerning Sara Care's statutory claims under the Texas Insurance Code and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as a fact issue remained regarding whether TMI's coverage liability was "reasonably clear," impacting the "knowingly" finding for additional damages.

Workers' Compensation InsurancePolicy NonrenewalSummary Judgment AppealTexas Labor CodeTexas Insurance CodeDeceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)Breach of ContractPromissory EstoppelAttorney's FeesJudicial Review
References
30
Case No. 2019 NY Slip Op 06054
Regular Panel Decision
Aug 06, 2019

Wilder v. Fresenius Med. Care Holdings, Inc.

Plaintiff Nicholas Wilder, suffering from end-stage renal disorder, sued Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary, Avantus Renal Therapy New York LLC, after they notified him that his dialysis care would be terminated due to disruptive behavior. Wilder sought an injunction to prevent the termination of his life-sustaining dialysis treatment. The Supreme Court, New York County, denied his request for an injunction and vacated a previously granted temporary restraining order (TRO). The Appellate Division, First Department, modified the lower court's order, reversing the denial of the injunction and vacating of the TRO, reinstating the TRO pending a hearing on Wilder's injunction request. The appellate court found that the motion court abused its discretion by vacating the TRO and not holding a hearing on the preliminary injunction, given the substantial factual disputes regarding Wilder's behavior and the defendants' compliance with federal regulations for patient discharge. However, the Appellate Division affirmed the denial of Wilder's request to proceed anonymously and seal records.

Dialysis TreatmentPatient DischargeTemporary Restraining OrderPreliminary InjunctionIrreparable HarmDisruptive Patient BehaviorFederal RegulationsRight to CareAppellate ReviewSealing Records
References
6
Case No. 2025 NY Slip Op 06107 [243 AD3d 986]
Regular Panel Decision
Nov 06, 2025

Matter of Dunkez Private Home Care, Inc. v. McDonald

The case involves Dunkez Private Home Care, Inc., a licensed home care services agency, challenging the Commissioner of Health's determination to revoke its license and impose a monetary penalty. The revocation stemmed from multiple deficiencies found during DOH surveys in 2019 and 2021, a substantiated patient complaint, and the agency's failure to comply with a temporary suspension order. The Appellate Division, Third Department, confirmed the Commissioner's determination, finding it supported by substantial evidence. The Court also found the penalty, license revocation and a monetary fine, was not disproportionate or shocking to one's sense of fairness, considering the serious danger posed to vulnerable patients.

Home Care Services AgencyLicense RevocationAdministrative LawJudicial ReviewSubstantial EvidenceDepartment of HealthCPLR Article 78Monetary PenaltyTemporary Suspension OrderPatient Care Deficiencies
References
12
Case No. 08-05-00033-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Aug 03, 2006

Martha Gray, Rose Marie Salvato, and Edmund Higginbotham of the Estate of Mary Ann Higginbotham v. Woodville Health Care Center Dba Wodville Convalescent Center Dba Cantex Health Care Centers Dba Denison Healthcare Denter Ltd. Co. & Kerry Evans M.D.

This case concerns an appeal by Martha Gray, Rose Marie Salvato, and Edmund Higginbotham, Executor of the Estate of Mary Ann Higginbotham, from summary judgments granted in favor of Dr. Kerry Evans and Woodville Healthcare Center. Appellants filed a wrongful death suit alleging medical malpractice, gross negligence, and negligence per se following the death of Brayton Gray, who was a patient at Woodville nursing home under Dr. Evans' care. The central issue was whether the Appellants provided sufficient evidence of causation to support their claims. The court found that the expert testimony presented was conclusory or speculative and failed to establish the necessary causal link. Additionally, the court ruled that the Appellants lacked standing for constitutional claims and that no state action was involved for a Fourteenth Amendment violation. Consequently, the appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment.

Medical malpracticeWrongful deathSummary judgmentCausationExpert testimonyNursing home negligenceParkinson's diseaseConstitutional rightsFourteenth AmendmentState action
References
27
Case No. 04-06-00417-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jun 25, 2008

Sylvia Casas, Ind. Substantively Consolidated Bankruptcy Estates of Fountain View, Inc. as Successor to Summit Care Corporation, Summit Care Texas, L.P. D/B/A Comanche Trail Nursing Center and Summit Care Management Texas and Robert Gundling, Ind. v. Rosamarie Paradez, as the Administrator and Heir at Law of the Estate of Tranquilino Mendoza

This case involves a medical malpractice survival action initiated by Rosamarie Paradez, daughter of the deceased Tranquilino Mendoza, against Sylvia Casas, Robert Gundling, and the consolidated bankruptcy estates of Fountain View, Inc. (successor to Summit Care Corp. and Summit Care Texas, L.P., operators of Comanche Trail Nursing Center). Mendoza, an 81-year-old nursing home resident, suffered severe injuries after being beaten by a violent roommate, allegedly due to the appellants' negligence. The appellants challenged various aspects of the trial court's judgment, including the denial of new trial motions, sufficiency of damages, excessive awards, and the application of damages caps. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's judgment, upholding the damages awarded for pain, mental anguish, and physical impairment, and finding no error in the application of the damages cap or the finding of negligence against Gundling.

Medical MalpracticeNursing Home NegligencePersonal InjurySurvival ActionAppellate ReviewJury ArgumentDamages CapFactual SufficiencyMental AnguishPhysical Impairment
References
35
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