MIGUEL VILLEGAS vs. ALL STAR SECURITY, EVEREST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY, GALLAGHER BASSETT SERVICES, INC.
This case involved a Petition for Reconsideration by All Star Security and its insurer, challenging a Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) decision. The WCAB denied the petition, adopting the administrative law judge's reasoning that the lien claimant failed to file within the amended 18-month statute of limitations under Labor Code section 4903.5(a). The Board found that applying this shortened period was proper as the claimant had a reasonable time to file after the amendment's effective date. This decision aligns with prior WCAB panel decisions regarding the retroactive application of shortened limitations periods in workers' compensation cases.