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KEVIN J. DOBBS JOEL L. KERNS Plaintiffs - Appellants
vs.
CHEVRON U.S.A. INC. DENNIS BONES JAMES STEPHEN CARPENTER Defendants - Appellees.
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Issues:
Workers' compensation, employer's liability, private right of action.
Case Summary:
Kevin Dobbs and Joel Kerns appeal a lower court's ruling in a consolidated case against Chevron U.S.A., Inc., and two individuals employed as field supervisors. Dobbs And Kerns initiated separate actions against Dennis Bones and Stephen Carpenter, supervisors on a Chevron seismic field team. Dobbs and Kerns alleged various contract and tort claims against the two supervisors and the company. The defendants responded with a motion for summary judgment.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
The U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming granted defendant's motion for summary judgment. The court ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the case because defendants Bones and Carpenter did have continuous contact in Wyoming and were in the state at the direction of Chevron officials. The court dismissed the complaints against Bones and Carpenter and subsequently dismissed the complaint against Chevron. Dobbs and Kerns now appeal.
Outcome:
Dobbs and Kerns lose. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit affirmed the ruling of the district court in all respects.