Home/Case Law/VERONICA SOTO VILLEGAS vs. ORANGE COUNTY PLASTERING COMPANY, INC.; CYPRESS INSURANCE COMPANY
Regular DecisionRegular Panel Decision

VERONICA SOTO VILLEGAS vs. ORANGE COUNTY PLASTERING COMPANY, INC.; CYPRESS INSURANCE COMPANY

Filed: Jul 14, 2025
Marina del Rey
ADJ17148489

CompFox AI Summary

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the defendants' petition for reconsideration regarding an industrial death claim and the dependency status of a minor stepchild. The Board affirmed the WCJ's finding that the deceased employee contracted COVID-19 at work due to an increased risk from his employment in enclosed spaces with infected co-workers. Furthermore, the Board upheld the finding that the stepchild was a total dependent, emphasizing a liberal interpretation of Labor Code sections 3501 and 4703.5 to include stepchildren within the definition of "child" for death benefits. This decision highlighted the importance of statutory context and legislative intent to protect dependent minors.

Full Decision Text1 Pages

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the defendants' petition for reconsideration regarding an industrial death claim and the dependency status of a minor stepchild. The Board affirmed the WCJ's finding that the deceased employee contracted COVID-19 at work due to an increased risk from his employment in enclosed spaces with infected co-workers. Furthermore, the Board upheld the finding that the stepchild was a total dependent, emphasizing a liberal interpretation of Labor Code sections 3501 and 4703.5 to include stepchildren within the definition of "child" for death benefits. This decision highlighted the importance of statutory context and legislative intent to protect dependent minors.

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