713 F.3d 521
9th Cir.2013Background
- Kealoha, a ship laborer, fell 25–50 feet in 2001 causing blunt trauma and chronic pain; he later sought Longshore Act compensation for injuries from the fall.
- In 2003, Kealoha shot himself; psychiatrist linked depression and chronic pain to the fall and ensuing litigation.
- An ALJ denied benefits, rejecting an irresistible-impulse theory and finding the suicide planned; the Board reversed, adopting a presumption that the fall caused the suicide.
- On remand, the ALJ found a causal link but barred compensation due to intentional act, while the Board affirmed.
- The Board and ALJ applied an irresistible-impulse framework; court unanimously remands to apply a chain-of-causation test connecting the injury to the suicide.
- The court ultimately grants the petition and remands for application of the chain-of-causation standard.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether suicide is compensable under chain of causation. | Kealoha argues chain of causation, not irresistible impulse, governs. | Leeward contends irresistible impulse or non-compensable injury under §3(c). | Yes; chain-of-causation test governs and may award compensation. |
| Whether the fall caused Kealoha's suicide. | Kealoha asserts a direct causal link from fall to suicide. | Leeward argues no direct unbroken chain to suicide. | Direct chain of causation must be examined on remand. |
| Whether the ALJ/Board erred by applying irresistible impulse instead of chain of causation. | Kealoha contends the test was misapplied. | Leeward relies on the irresistible impulse framework. | Remand to apply chain-of-causation standard. |
Key Cases Cited
- Voris v. Texas Employers Insurance Ass'n, 190 F.2d 929 (5th Cir. 1951) (suicide compensable despite willful-intent language under then-statute)
- Terminal Shipping Co. v. Traynor, 243 F. Supp. 915 (D. Md. 1965) (early chain-of-causation approach for work-related suicides)
- Dir., Office of Workers' Comp. Programs v. Cooper Assoc. Inc., 607 F.2d 1385 (D.C. Cir. 1979) (upholding compensation where depression followed business decline)
- Borbely v. Prestole Everlock, Inc., 565 N.E.2d 575 (Ohio 1991) (chain-of-causation favored over mere impulse)
- Kostelac v. Feldman’s, Inc., 497 N.W.2d 853 (Iowa 1993) (chain-of-causation approach preferred)
- In re Sponatski, 108 N.E. 466 (Mass. 1915) (irresistible impulse concept historically used)