CHARLES J. VACANTI v. State Comp. Ins. Fund

Kegel, Tobin & Truce, Encino, Theodore C. Hanf and Robert R. Wills, for Californians for Compensation Reform, California Chamber of Commerce, California Manufacturers Association, California Self-Insureds Association, California Small Business Association, California State Association of Counties, California Grocers Association, California Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Association, Western Growers Association, National Council of Self-Insurers, Employers Group, American Stores, Inc., American Freightways, Longs Drug Stores, Inc., and Coast Foundry and Manufacturing Company as Amici Curiae on behalf of Defendants and Respondents.

This case contains a new twist on the seemingly endless litigation over the scope of workers' compensation exclusivity. Unlike the typical case where an employee wishes to sue his or her employer or workers' compensation insurance carrier, this case involves a group of medical providers that wish to sue a group of workers' compensation insurers. In their novel complaint, the medical providers allege the insurers conspired to put them out of business by intentionally mishandling their lien claims before the Workers' Compensation…