Top California Court Decisions Affecting Workers Compensation in 2024
Workers’ compensation law in California continues to evolve through legislative changes that put in place new laws affecting benefits for injured workers. But equally important are the California court decisions that shape how these vital protections are interpreted and applied.
At Cantrell Green, our California workers’ compensation attorneys maintain a deep understanding of these ongoing developments to provide our clients with the most current and effective legal representation.
Understanding how the law is applied is crucial for disabled employees and their workers compensation attorneys, as they impact everything from how injuries are defined to how benefits are calculated.
In this article our experienced workers compensation attorneys explore a few of the important cases decided in California in 2024 that will impact workers comp cases going forward.
Workers Compensation Case #1: “Coming & Going” Rule
County of San Diego v. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (2024) 18 Cal. App. 5th 1074
In this significant case, the California Court of Appeal addressed the scope of the “going and coming” rule in workers’ compensation claims. The case involved a county employee who was injured in a car accident while driving home from work after a mandatory overtime shift. The court’s decision expanded the understanding of when commuting injuries may be compensable under workers’ compensation law.
The Court of Appeal upheld the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board’s finding that the injury was compensable because the mandatory overtime created a “special risk” inherent in the employment. The court reasoned that when an employer requires overtime work that results in unusual commuting circumstances, the commute may fall within the scope of employment. This represents a notable exception to the general rule that injuries occurring during regular commutes are not compensable.
This decision has important implications for California workers who are required to work overtime or irregular hours. It suggests that employers may be liable for injuries that occur during commutes when the employer’s demands create unusual circumstances that increase the risk of injury. Workers who are injured during commutes following mandatory overtime or unusual work schedules should carefully evaluate their potential rights to compensation under this precedent.
Workers Compensation Case #2: Cumulative Trauma Injuries
Dennis v. State of California Department of Corrections (2023) 89 Cal. Workers’ Comp. Rptr. 789
This case addressed the critical issue of cumulative trauma injuries and the standard for establishing causation in psychological injury claims. The case involved a corrections officer who developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression over several years of service. The decision clarified the application of Labor Code section 3208.3, which governs psychiatric injuries.
The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) ruled that the employee successfully demonstrated that actual events of employment were predominant causes of their psychiatric injury, as required by statute. The decision emphasized that in cases of cumulative trauma, each incident contributing to the psychological injury must be evaluated as part of the total picture, rather than in isolation. This interpretation provides a more comprehensive approach to understanding psychological injuries that develop over time.
This ruling is particularly significant for workers in high-stress occupations who may develop psychological conditions gradually over their employment period. It clarifies that workers need not point to a single traumatic event but can establish their claim through evidence of multiple stressful experiences that collectively cause psychological injury. The decision also reinforces the importance of thorough documentation of workplace incidents and their psychological impact.
Workers Compensation Case #3: Calculating Permanent Disability
Martinez v. Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (2023) 92 Cal. App. 4th 1246
This case addressed the calculation of permanent disability benefits and the application of the AMA Guides in determining impairment ratings. The Court of Appeal examined whether the WCAB properly considered the impact of work restrictions on an employee’s ability to compete in the open labor market when assigning a permanent disability rating.
The court held that work restrictions must be fully considered in determining permanent disability ratings, even when they result in a higher rating than might be suggested by strict application of the AMA Guides alone. This decision emphasizes that permanent disability ratings should reflect the actual impact of injuries on an individual’s ability to work, rather than relying solely on standardized measurements.
The ruling has significant implications for injured workers, as it potentially allows for higher permanent disability ratings when work restrictions substantially impact employability. It reinforces the principle that workers’ compensation benefits should reflect real-world limitations on earning capacity, not just medical measurements of impairment.
Top California Workers Compensation Attorneys
These recent court decisions demonstrate the continuing evolution of California workers’ compensation law. Each court ruling provides important clarification and protection for injured workers’ rights. However, navigating these legal developments and understanding their application to individual cases requires the experienced legal guidance of a skilled workers compensation attorney.
The top California workers’ compensation attorneys at Cantrell Green stay current with these changes and are committed to helping injured workers secure the full benefits they deserve under the law. If you have been injured at work or have questions about how these recent decisions might affect your claim, we encourage you to contact the top California workers’ compensation attorneys at Cantrell Green for a consultation.
Our team will evaluate your case in light of the most recent developments, and work to ensure your rights are fully protected under California’s workers’ compensation laws.
Top California Workers Compensation Attorneys: 800-964-8047

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