CompFox AI Summary
This case concerns whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are exempt from California's workers' compensation laws for an injury sustained by a former player. The WCJ initially ruled against the Buccaneers, finding that Florida's reciprocity statute, which would allow for an exemption under Labor Code § 3600.5(b), was not in effect at the time of the player's work in California. The Appeals Board affirmed the WCJ's decision, holding that the conditions for exemption must exist at the time of injury and Florida's law cannot retroactively apply to alter California's jurisdiction. A dissenting opinion argued that the reciprocity statute's validity at the time of claim filing, not injury, should determine exemption, citing a prior Appeals Board case.
Full Decision Text1 Pages
This case concerns whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are exempt from California's workers' compensation laws for an injury sustained by a former player. The WCJ initially ruled against the Buccaneers, finding that Florida's reciprocity statute, which would allow for an exemption under Labor Code § 3600.5(b), was not in effect at the time of the player's work in California. The Appeals Board affirmed the WCJ's decision, holding that the conditions for exemption must exist at the time of injury and Florida's law cannot retroactively apply to alter California's jurisdiction. A dissenting opinion argued that the reciprocity statute's validity at the time of claim filing, not injury, should determine exemption, citing a prior Appeals Board case.
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