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

Case No. 01-15-00374-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 27, 2015

the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality v. National Wildlife Federation

This case involves an appeal filed by the National Wildlife Federation (Appellee) against the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (Appellants). The appeal concerns the District Court's judgment of March 6, 2015, which reversed and remanded TCEQ's decision to grant Water Use Permit No. 5821 to the Upper Trinity Regional Water District. The core issue is TCEQ's alleged failure to properly implement Texas Water Code Section 11.085 (l)(2), which requires stringent water conservation and efficiency for interbasin water transfers. The Appellee argues that TCEQ improperly relied on a voluntary guide (Report 362) instead of fulfilling legislative directives for robust conservation standards, and that the District's water conservation plan lacks adequate implementation and enforcement mechanisms, thus failing to meet the 'highest practicable levels of water conservation and efficiency achievable' as mandated by law.

Water ConservationInterbasin TransferEnvironmental LawAdministrative LawAppellate ReviewTexas Water CodeWater Use PermitDrought Contingency PlanRegulatory ComplianceBest Management Practices
References
25
Case No. 2015-02-0155, 2015-02-0156, 40357-2015, 31700-2015
Regular Panel Decision
Apr 13, 2018

Muse, Estel Blackie v. Campbell County

Estel "Blackie" Muse, an employee of Campbell County, filed claims for multiple injuries, including his back, hearing loss, right shoulder, bilateral upper extremities, and occupational lung disease. The employer accepted the back and hearing-loss claims but denied the others. The Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims at Knoxville, presided by Judge Lisa A. Lowe, denied Mr. Muse's claims for his right shoulder, bilateral upper extremity, and occupational lung disease, finding he failed to establish compensability. However, the court granted permanent partial disability benefits for his back and hearing loss based on accepted medical opinions, incorporating increased benefits and applying a social security offset. The total award for permanent partial disability benefits was $79,073.37, and future medical benefits for his back and hearing loss were also awarded.

Workers' CompensationPermanent Partial DisabilityBack InjuryHearing LossOccupational Lung DiseaseRight Shoulder InjuryBilateral Upper Extremities InjuryMedical CausationPreponderance of EvidenceIndependent Medical Evaluation (IME)
References
5
Case No. SAC 256953, SAC 256954, SAC 256955
Regular

CAROL TORREZ vs. SUPERSHUTTLE, CLARENDON NATIONAL INSURANCE

This case involves cross-petitions for reconsideration concerning an applicant's workers' compensation claims for upper back/neck, low back, and upper extremity injuries sustained as an airport shuttle driver. The Appeals Board granted both applicant's and defendant's petitions, largely affirming the WCJ's findings but amending several clerical and factual errors. Key amendments include correcting defendant identification, clarifying stipulation regarding the low back injury, adjusting attorney fees and liens, and crediting EDD payments against temporary disability indemnity.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSupershuttleClarendon National InsuranceCIGACalifornia Compensation Insurance Companyindustrial injuryupper backnecklow backcumulative trauma
References
0
Case No. 09-19-00101-CV
Regular Panel Decision
Dec 12, 2019

Brian W. Justice v. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, on Behalf of the Registered Holders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust 2007-AC2, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-AV2

Brian W. Justice appealed the trial court's summary judgment in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, regarding a breach of contract and judicial foreclosure claim. Justice had defaulted on a promissory note, leading Wells Fargo to seek foreclosure on his property. Following a summary judgment for Wells Fargo, Justice, through an attorney, moved to set aside the judgment and for a new trial, arguing he lacked notice due to being out of state. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's decision, concluding that Justice failed to prove his failure to respond was not due to conscious indifference and that Wells Fargo had adequately demonstrated its status as the note holder. Additionally, the court ruled that Justice waived his objection to attorney's fees by not raising it at the trial level.

Summary Judgment AppealBreach of ContractJudicial ForeclosurePromissory Note DefaultHome EquityDefault JudgmentMotion for New TrialCraddock TestConscious IndifferenceHolder of Note
References
46
Case No. ADJ1901810 (SAC 0362345) ADJ381755 (SAC 0362346)
Regular
Feb 03, 2010

RONALD WILLIAMS vs. MV TRANSPORTATION, INC.; AMERICAN HOME ASSURANCE, adjusted by BROADSPIRE

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) dismissed the applicant's petition for reconsideration as it was untimely filed and not properly verified. The WCAB also denied the defendant's petition for reconsideration, adopting the reasoning of the Workers' Compensation Judge. The underlying decisions found the applicant sustained an industrial injury to his low back, requiring further treatment but no permanent disability. A separate decision found an industrial injury to his right upper extremity (CRPS) and neck/upper back (myofascial pain syndrome), resulting in 75% permanent disability and entitlement to further medical treatment.

Complex Regional Pain SyndromeMyofascial Pain SyndromeAgreed Medical EvaluatorAMA Guides 5th EditionLabor Code section 4658(d)Permanent Disability IndemnityPetition for ReconsiderationUntimely FilingLack of VerificationJurisdictional Time Limit
References
9
Case No. 2021-06-0129
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 15, 2021

Morton, Dustin v. Morsey Constructors, dba Harper Industries

Dustin Morton, an ironworker, sustained a work injury in January 2020 when a heavy panel struck his head and left shoulder, leading to a fall and a right knee injury. Initial treatment by Dr. David Moore focused on the knee, culminating in surgery and an eight-percent impairment rating. After reaching maximum medical improvement, Mr. Morton developed neck, upper back, and arm pain, which he attributed to the original accident, and sought further medical treatment. The employer, Morsey Constructors, challenged the causation and the request for additional treatment without medical proof. However, the Court ruled in an expedited hearing that medical causation is not required at this interlocutory stage and found Mr. Morton likely to prevail on the merits, thereby ordering Morsey or its carrier to authorize treatment for his neck, upper back, and arm symptoms.

Worker's CompensationExpedited HearingMedical BenefitsNeck InjuryUpper Back PainArm NumbnessKnee InjuryMedical CausationOrthopedic SurgeryMaximum Medical Improvement
References
3
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Aug 07, 1984

Murtaugh v. Bankers Trust Co.

In November 1978, claimant Murtaugh filed a discrimination claim against Bankers Trust Company of Albany, N. A. following her 1977 dismissal, citing Workers’ Compensation Law § 241. The Workers’ Compensation Board affirmed a discrimination finding, which was subsequently upheld by the Appellate Division. An administrative law judge directed Murtaugh's reinstatement and awarded back wages from January 1, 1978, to October 19, 1982, with an offset for unemployment benefits. The Bank appealed this decision, contending the back pay award was unauthorized under Workers’ Compensation Law § 120, arguing Murtaugh failed to accept reemployment or mitigate damages. The court found substantial evidence that no bona fide reemployment offer was made and that the issue of mitigation of damages was not properly raised. Consequently, the court affirmed the Board's decision, upholding Murtaugh's entitlement to back pay.

Workers' Compensation LawDiscriminationBack Pay AwardReinstatementMitigation of DamagesUnemployment BenefitsOffer of ReemploymentAppellate DivisionNew York LawEmployer Liability
References
4
Case No. 534955
Regular Panel Decision
Feb 16, 2023

In the Matter of the Claim of Victor Martinez

Victor Martinez, a construction worker, was injured on November 11, 2020, when his right hand was caught between a cantilever pin and a concrete post. He filed a claim for workers' compensation benefits, including injuries to his neck and back, in addition to his right upper extremity. A Workers' Compensation Law Judge (WCLJ) initially established the claim only for injuries to his right forearm and wrist, disallowing the neck and back claims. However, the Workers' Compensation Board modified this determination, amending the claim to include the neck and back injuries. The employer and its workers' compensation carrier appealed the Board's decision, arguing against the causal relationship of the neck and back injuries. The Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, affirmed the Board's decision, finding it supported by substantial evidence and deferring to the Board's assessment of medical witness credibility and its factual findings.

Construction InjuryWorkers' Compensation BenefitsCausality DeterminationNeck and Back InjuriesSubstantial EvidenceMedical Opinion CredibilityAppellate ReviewWork AccidentBoard Decision AffirmationOrthopedist Testimony
References
8
Case No. ADJ2987812 (SJO 0262336) ADJ1100259 (SJO 0262338)
Regular
Sep 02, 2010

JANICE KELLEY vs. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL, ZURICH INSURANCE COMPANY, BROADSPIRE

This case involves an applicant with a prior low back injury award who sustained a specific back injury in 2002 and cumulative injuries to her back and upper extremities through 2006. The WCJ awarded 75% permanent disability, including a 15% increase under Labor Code section 4658(d), finding the disabilities inseparable. The defendant sought reconsideration, arguing the disabilities were separable and the Ogilvie calculation was improperly applied. The Appeals Board rescinded the award, finding the medical evidence regarding apportionment and the basis for the disability rating insufficient. The matter was returned to the trial level for further proceedings to develop the record.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCumulative InjurySpecific InjuryPermanent DisabilityApportionmentBensonOgilvieLabor Code Section 4658(d)Qualified Medical ExaminerSubstantial Evidence
References
23
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Claim of Neal v. Blue Circle Cement

The claimant, a laborer, suffered a compensable back injury in November 1998 and returned to work after eight months. In January 2002, he sustained another back injury. A Workers’ Compensation Law Judge determined that the January 2002 injury was an aggravation of the prior 1998 injury, assigned disability levels from January 2002 to April 2003, and found no compensable lost time thereafter. The Workers’ Compensation Board affirmed this decision. The Appellate Division found substantial evidence, including medical testimony and MRI comparisons, to support the Board’s determination regarding the aggravation of the injury and the disability levels. The court also upheld the Board's prerogative to resolve conflicting medical evidence and make credibility determinations, particularly in light of evidence that the claimant exaggerated his symptoms.

Workers' CompensationBack InjuryAggravation of InjuryDisability LevelsMedical EvidenceCredibility AssessmentEmployer LiabilityJudicial ReviewAppellate DivisionAdministrative Law
References
4
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