Home/Case Law/Deborah Matthews vs. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, State Compensation Insurance Fund
Regular DecisionWorkers' Compensation

Deborah Matthews vs. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, State Compensation Insurance Fund

Filed: Dec 02, 2016
Stockton
ADJ10038732

CompFox AI Summary

This case involves a defendant's petition for removal after an administrative law judge (WCJ) ordered a new Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) panel. The WCJ found the defendant violated Labor Code section 4062.3 by engaging in ex parte communication with the prior QME. The defendant admitted a violation of Labor Code section 4062.3 but argued a new panel was unwarranted due to applicant forfeiture or the communication's insignificance. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the petition, finding no waiver by the applicant and that the communication was not insignificant. The WCAB emphasized that prejudice is not required to obtain a new panel for such violations.

Full Decision Text1 Pages

This case involves a defendant's petition for removal after an administrative law judge (WCJ) ordered a new Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) panel. The WCJ found the defendant violated Labor Code section 4062.3 by engaging in ex parte communication with the prior QME. The defendant admitted a violation of Labor Code section 4062.3 but argued a new panel was unwarranted due to applicant forfeiture or the communication's insignificance. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the petition, finding no waiver by the applicant and that the communication was not insignificant. The WCAB emphasized that prejudice is not required to obtain a new panel for such violations.

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