JOHN SKORUPAN vs. NEW YORK GIANTS, ACE USA INSURANCE

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration to clarify its jurisdiction over applicant John Skorupan's cumulative industrial injury claim against the New York Giants. The WCAB affirmed the administrative law judge's (ALJ) finding that while the WCAB has personal jurisdiction, California lacks a legitimate and substantial interest to exercise jurisdiction over the claim, citing the Federal Insurance Co. v. Workers' Comp. Appeals Bd. (Johnson) precedent. This decision hinges on the applicant's minimal California contacts (5 games out of 141 played) not establishing a sufficient connection for due process. Commissioner Sweeney dissented, arguing that the applicant's more than de minimis exposure in California and the state's public policy of protecting injured workers should support jurisdiction.