Trial Victory for NFL Client

On July 24th, 2023, the Honorable WCJ Cathey determined the St. Louis Rams are exempt from the proceedings before the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board pursuant to Labor Code Sections 3600.5(d) and may not be found liable for the applicant’s injury. The applicant was employed as a professional football player by the St. Louis Rams from May 2015 through September 2015 and the Seattle Seahawks from November 2015 through March 2017.

Having failed to spend 20% or more of his duty days in California, the applicant does not meet the condition identified in Labor Code Sections 3600.5(d)(1)(A) to overcome the exemption of Labor Code Sections 3600.5(d)(1). As a result, WCJ Cathey found that the St. Louis Rams are exempt from the proceedings before the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board and may not be found liable for the applicant’s injury. Having found no personal jurisdiction of the Seattle Seahawks and that the St. Louis Rams are exempt from the proceedings before the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, the issue of administration of the claim is moot.

BPK is proud to share this exciting news and another great win for our client!

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