MANUEL CHAVEZ vs. TERRA UNIVERSAL, EMPLOYERS DIRECT CLAIMS THOU OAKS

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration of a decision in favor of applicant Manuel Chavez. The Board adopted the Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) report, which found it more likely than not that Chavez was terminated because he filed a workers' compensation claim form. The ALJ gave great weight to Chavez's credible testimony regarding the timing of his termination and the inconsistencies in the employer's stated reasons for it. The Board affirmed the ALJ's credibility determination, leading to the denial of the defendant's petition.