Vern Botts vs. Orange County Transportation Authority, Tristar Management
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the Petition for Removal filed by Orange County Transportation Authority and Tristar Management. The Board found that the trial judge was correctly ordered to conduct further proceedings to determine if the applicant could rebut the Diminished Future Earning Capacity (DFEC) adjustment, as required by the *Ogilvie III* decision. Defendant's arguments regarding prejudice from further evidence introduction and discovery closure were rejected as the trial judge's actions were in line with appellate directives and defendants had ample opportunity to address the issues. The Board adopted the judge's report, finding no basis for removal.