Home/Case Law/MATEO LOPEZ vs. SOUTH STATE TOWING, THE HARTFORD, administered by MATRIX ABSENCE MANAGEMENT
Regular DecisionReconsideration

MATEO LOPEZ vs. SOUTH STATE TOWING, THE HARTFORD, administered by MATRIX ABSENCE MANAGEMENT

Filed: Nov 02, 2019
Long Beach
ADJ9625221

CompFox AI Summary

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded a prior award finding applicant sustained injury AOE/COE, including a psychiatric component, due to a "violent act." The Board determined the applicant's fall from a truck, while assisting a tow, did not meet the legal definition of a "violent act." Due to newly issued precedent regarding the "catastrophic injury" exception under Labor Code section 4660.1(c)(2)(B), the case was returned to the trial level for further proceedings to assess this alternative basis for an increased psychiatric impairment rating. The WCAB also noted a need to clarify whether the psychiatric injury was a direct result of employment events or a consequence of the physical injury.

Full Decision Text1 Pages

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) rescinded a prior award finding applicant sustained injury AOE/COE, including a psychiatric component, due to a "violent act." The Board determined the applicant's fall from a truck, while assisting a tow, did not meet the legal definition of a "violent act." Due to newly issued precedent regarding the "catastrophic injury" exception under Labor Code section 4660.1(c)(2)(B), the case was returned to the trial level for further proceedings to assess this alternative basis for an increased psychiatric impairment rating. The WCAB also noted a need to clarify whether the psychiatric injury was a direct result of employment events or a consequence of the physical injury.

Read the full decision

Join + legal professionals. Create a free account to access the complete text of this decision and search our entire database.

Ready to streamline your practice?

Apply these legal strategies instantly. CompFox helps you find decisions, analyze reports, and draft pleadings in minutes.