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Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. ADJ962796 (ANA 0403408)
Regular
Aug 26, 2015

JAMES RODNEY RICHARD vs. HOUSTON ASTROS

Attorneys for both the applicant and defendant were sanctioned $50.00 each for failing to follow the Board's explicit instructions. The attorneys improperly filed a stipulation for appellate attorney's fees with a district office instead of the Office of Commissioners. This oversight led to an inaccurate award and necessitated further Board action. While acknowledging the attorneys' apologies and assurances of future compliance, the Board imposed the minimal sanction due to the clear disregard of its directives.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSanctionsAppellate Attorney's FeesStipulationNotice of IntentionDistrict OfficeOffice of CommissionersLabor Code Section 5813WCAB Rule 10561Amended Award
References
0
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Matter of Kover

Attorneys Burton Citak and Donald L. Citak appealed orders that imposed sanctions and denied legal fees related to an article 81 guardianship proceeding for Eva Dworecki, an alleged incapacitated person. The attorneys were sanctioned for frivolous conduct, including making misrepresentations and false statements in court filings and arguments, and accusing the court of misconduct, despite previously consenting to the guardianship. The appellate decision, in this concurring opinion by Tom, J.P., found ample support for the Supreme Court's finding that the attorneys' conduct warranted sanctions. The matter was remanded for further proceedings to determine the appropriate costs, reduce the award to judgment, and set reasonable legal fees for the Citak firm's representation of Dr. Dworecki prior to the frivolous filings.

SanctionsAttorneysGuardianshipArticle 81Frivolous ConductAppellate ReviewProfessional MisconductLegal FeesCostsCourt Orders
References
0
Case No. ADJ5690219
Regular
Jul 31, 2015

TOM PALLADINO vs. ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY, INTERCARE INSURANCE SERVICES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of a prior award and issued a notice of intention to impose sanctions on applicant's attorney. This action stems from alleged false, misleading, and unsubstantiated allegations made by the attorney in the applicant's Answer to the Petition for Reconsideration. The Board found no evidence to support the claims of intentional delay by the defendant and determined the attorney's statements to be without merit and potentially prejudicial. The attorney and his firm face a $750 sanction unless good cause is shown why it should not be imposed.

WCABPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardQualified Medical EvaluatorPermanent DisabilityApportionmentSanctionsLabor Code Section 5813WCAB Rule 10561Attorney Misconduct
References
0
Case No. ADJ9877506
Regular
Oct 30, 2017

MICHAEL WALLACE (Dec'd), ANGELA JOHNSON WALLACE (Wife) vs. LONG BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Appeals Board granted the applicant's Petition for Reconsideration, reversing the dismissal of a death benefit claim. This action was taken to issue a notice of intent to impose sanctions and attorney's fees against the applicant's attorneys for alleged bad faith actions. The Board found their petition lacked specificity and cited multiple violations of procedural rules and potential misconduct regarding discovery. A hearing will be held to determine if sanctions are warranted against the named attorneys and their firm.

Petition for ReconsiderationFindings and OrderWCJDeclaration of Readiness to ProceedPetition to Dismissbad faith actionsfrivolous litigationattorney sanctionsLabor Code section 5813WCAB Rule 10561
References
1
Case No. VNO 0409413
Regular
Jul 18, 2008

LINDA SALVANERA vs. KELLY TEMPORARY SERVICES, CNA CASUALTY OF CALIFORNIA

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration and issued a notice of intent to sanction defense attorney Ian D. Paige for attaching previously presented or record documents to his petition for reconsideration without alleging newly discovered evidence. This action violated WCAB regulations and is considered a sanctionable bad-faith tactic under Labor Code §5813 for willful failure to comply with regulatory obligations. The Board intends to impose a $200 sanction unless the attorney demonstrates good cause to the contrary.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationSanctionsLabor Code § 5813Bad Faith ActionsRegulatory ViolationIan D. PaigeStockwell Harris Widom Woolverton & MuehlDue ProcessNotice of Intention
References
11
Case No. ADJ4702870 (LAO 0757820)
Regular
May 20, 2016

Rubie Johnson vs. Los Angeles County Mental Health

This case involves sanctions imposed on lien claimant David Silver, M.D., and his representatives for failing to appear at a properly noticed lien conference without good cause. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (Board) granted reconsideration to affirm the sanctions and attorney fees awarded. The Board found that the excuses provided for the non-appearance were unreasonable and constituted bad faith actions under Labor Code section 5813. Consequently, Silver and his representatives were ordered to pay $\$250.00$ in sanctions to the General Fund and $\$2,100.00$ in attorney fees to the defendant.

Labor Code Section 5813WCAB Rule 10561WCAB Rule 10770.1Lien ConferenceFailure to AppearBad Faith ActionsSanctionsAttorney's FeesPetition for ReconsiderationJoint and Several Liability
References
1
Case No. ADJ7500183
Regular
Oct 07, 2014

RAMON MARTIN vs. BARRETT BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied defendant's petition for reconsideration, finding it frivolous and filed in bad faith. The Board imposed a $750 sanction against defendant's attorneys, Tricia Pride and Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP. This sanction was for falsely asserting judicial misconduct by the judge in the petition. The attorneys' subsequent response failed to adequately explain or apologize for their conduct.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardRemovalSanctionFrivolous PetitionBad-Faith ConductJudicial MisconductCode of Judicial EthicsLabor Code Section 123.6Industrial InjuryLeft Knee Surgery
References
6
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

In re of the Arbitration between Town of Evans & International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Petitioner appealed an order from the Supreme Court, Erie County, which denied its petition to stay arbitration, granted respondent's counterclaim to compel arbitration, and denied both parties' requests for attorney's fees and sanctions. The petitioner had terminated an accountant, Elmar Kiefer, for alleged sexual abuse and misuse of resources. Respondent filed a grievance on Kiefer's behalf, leading to a demand for arbitration under their collective bargaining agreement. Petitioner sought to stay arbitration, arguing it was against public policy as an arbitrator might reinstate Kiefer. The court affirmed the lower court's decision, stating that the public policy argument was premature and that courts should not pre-emptively assume an arbitrator will exceed their powers or violate public policy. The court also denied attorney's fees and sanctions for both parties.

ArbitrationPublic PolicyCollective Bargaining AgreementSexual HarassmentMisconductAttorney's FeesSanctionsAppellate ReviewGrievanceEmployment Termination
References
5
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision
Jul 07, 1978

SOCIALIST WKRS. PARTY v. Attorney General of US

This case involves an action by the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) and the Young Socialist Alliance (YSA) against various federal agencies and officials, primarily the Attorney General and the FBI, for alleged constitutional violations stemming from extensive FBI informant activities and disruption programs. The current opinion addresses the Attorney General's refusal to comply with a May 31, 1977, court order to produce 18 confidential FBI informant files to plaintiffs' counsel. The court rejected the Attorney General's arguments concerning informant confidentiality, appellate review, and alternative sanctions, emphasizing the files' indispensable nature for the litigation of plaintiffs' claims, which include demands for damages and injunctive relief. The court ruled that the Attorney General must comply with the production order by July 7, 1978, or face civil contempt, underscoring the judiciary's power to enforce orders even against high-ranking government officials.

Informant ConfidentialityDiscovery DisputeCivil ContemptGovernment MisconductFBI SurveillancePolitical OrganizationsFirst Amendment RightsConstitutional ViolationsAppellate ReviewAttorney General
References
35
Case No. ADJ3874707 (ANA 0393103)
Regular
Jul 01, 2009

WILLIAM MARCHESE vs. THE HOME DEPOT, Permissibly SelfInsured, Adjusted By SEDGWICH CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.

This case involves a worker's compensation claim where the applicant's former attorney, Krishna Gulaya, is facing potential sanctions. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) is investigating allegations that Gulaya submitted a falsified Compromise and Release agreement, including improper witnessing and backdating of signatures. The WCAB has scheduled a conference solely to address the imposition of sanctions against Gulaya for this misconduct. Gulaya is ordered to appear at the conference to demonstrate good cause why sanctions should not be imposed.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSanctionsApplicant's AttorneyCompromise and ReleaseWCJIndustrial InjuryFindings of FactAward and OrderSet AsideWitness Signatures
References
0
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