The Florida District Court of Appeal recently affirmed a ruling in a workers' compensation case involving Racetrac, Inc. and its employee Klarissa Perez. This decision is significant as it upholds the previous findings of the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims regarding an accident that occurred on February 6, 2025. The ruling impacts how workers' compensation claims are handled for employees in Florida.

The case, officially listed as docket number 1D2025-3276, was filed on November 4, 2026. The court's decision to affirm the lower court's ruling means that the original findings regarding Perez's claim will stand. This outcome is important for both Racetrac and other employees in similar situations, as it clarifies the responsibilities of employers in workers' compensation cases.

Background

Racetrac, Inc. is a well-known convenience store chain operating in several states, including Florida. The company provides various services and products, including fuel and food items. Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. is the claims administrator for Racetrac, handling workers' compensation claims on behalf of the company.

Klarissa Perez, the appellee in this case, was an employee of Racetrac who suffered an injury while on the job. The details of the accident, which occurred on February 6, 2025, are not specified in the court filing. However, it is clear that Perez filed a workers' compensation claim following the incident, seeking benefits for her injury.

The case reached the District Court of Appeal after the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims made a ruling on Perez's claim. Racetrac and Gallagher Bassett Services appealed the decision, seeking to overturn the findings made by the lower court. The appeal process is a common step for employers when they disagree with compensation rulings made in favor of employees.

The Ruling

The District Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Perez, affirming the previous decision made by the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims. The court stated simply, "AFFIRMED," indicating that they found no reason to overturn the lower court's ruling. Judges M.K. Thomas, Ray, and Long concurred with the decision.

The court's affirmation means that the findings regarding Perez's eligibility for workers' compensation benefits will remain intact. This ruling is a clear indication that the appellate court found the lower court's decision to be sound and justified based on the evidence presented.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for workers' compensation cases in Florida. By affirming the lower court's decision, the appellate court reinforces the rights of employees to receive benefits when injured on the job. It also highlights the responsibilities of employers and their claims administrators to properly handle such claims.

For Racetrac, this ruling may affect how they approach future workers' compensation claims. The decision could set a precedent for similar cases, potentially leading to more employees feeling empowered to file claims when injured. It emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations and fair treatment of employees in the claims process.

What's Next

Details were not available in the court filing regarding whether this ruling can be appealed further. However, the case highlights the ongoing challenges in workers' compensation claims and the legal processes involved. Employers and employees alike will be watching closely to see how this ruling influences future cases in Florida.