Case Law Database

CLARA ARBIZU vs. WESTAC, INC., WAUSAU INSURANCE COMPANY

This case concerns an applicant's request for the defendant to prepay the cost of a vocational expert. The Appeals Board affirmed the original decision that defendants are not obligated to prepay these expenses. However, the Board clarified that vocational expert costs are considered medical-legal expenses under Labor Code section 4620 et seq., and defendants are liable for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for proving or disproving a contested claim. The parties are ordered to proceed with a vocational expert evaluation, with the defendant ultimately responsible for the costs.