RICARDO VILLAREAL vs. CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES/AGRIUM U.S., INC.; ESIS

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted the applicant's petition for removal, reversing a prior order that denied a change of venue. The applicant, having moved to Ceres, California, and retained new counsel in Modesto, argued that this relocation constituted good cause for changing the venue from Oxnard to Stockton. The WCAB found that the applicant's change of residence and counsel, coupled with the desire to litigate closer to his new home and legal representation, provided sufficient good cause for the venue change. Consequently, the WCAB rescinded the denial and ordered the case venue transferred to the Stockton District Office.