ROBYN J. RIVERA vs. COUNTY OF ALAMEDA, SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

This case concerns a defendant's petition for removal after an applicant's workers' compensation case was taken off calendar to allow for further deposition of a QME. The defendant argued prejudice and that the applicant's change of representation was a ploy. The Appeals Board denied the petition, finding no evidence of a ploy and no demonstrable harm from allowing applicant's counsel to clarify the QME's opinion. The Board concluded that allowing the deposition could lead to a more fully developed record rather than unduly lengthening litigation.