CompFox Logo
AboutWorkflowFeaturesPricingCase LawInsights

Updated Daily

Case Law Database

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

Case No. ADJ8026817
Regular
Apr 22, 2013

MARIA OCHOA vs. RANGERS DIE CASTING COMPANY, COMPWEST INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration of a decision finding the applicant sustained injury to her respiratory system and psyche AOE/COE. The WCAB rescinded the decision and returned the case to the trial level, finding the medical opinions of Dr. Lipper and Dr. Curtis lacked substantiality. Specifically, the physicians failed to provide clear diagnoses, quantify exposures, or adequately explain causation. The Board noted contradictory testimony from the applicant's supervisor and insufficient evidence to support the initial findings.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardMaria OchoaRangers Die Casting CompanyCOMPWEST INSURANCE COMPANYADJ8026817Los Angeles District OfficeOpinion and Order Granting ReconsiderationDecision After ReconsiderationFindings of FactWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge (WCJ)
References
Case No. ADJ3891195 (LBO 0394271)
Regular
Jul 26, 2010

Carlos Melara vs. GARDA USA, aka GARDA CL WEST, INC.; ESIS

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration and rescinded a previous award. The Board found that while the applicant sustained an industrial injury, it did not result from the employer's serious and willful misconduct. The Board determined that the employer's actions, including conducting safety meetings and having policies against firearm misuse, did not demonstrate the "positive and active disregard of the consequences" required for serious and willful misconduct. Therefore, the 50% increase in benefits for serious and willful misconduct was overturned.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardSerious and Willful MisconductLabor Code Section 4553Industrial InjuryBilateral Lower ExtremitiesPsycheGarda USAESISCoin CounterArmored Trucks
References
Case No. ADJ8110632, ADJ8110825
Regular
Apr 26, 2019

DOMINGO HERNANDEZ vs. WMLS, INC., and TWIN CITY FIRE INSURANCE/THE HARTFORD, and SOUTHERN INSURANCE COMPANY, adjusted by MAKEL SERVICES, INC.

Defendant sought reconsideration of an award of future medical treatment for a 2010 back injury, arguing it was erroneous. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration, finding the award supported by evidence. Medical evaluations recommended continued home exercises, over-the-counter medication for the back, and cognitive behavioral therapy for the psyche. Labor Code section 4600 mandates provision of all treatment reasonably required to cure or relieve the effects of an industrial injury, which includes recommended conservative care.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardJoint Findings and AwardPetition for ReconsiderationPanel Qualified Medical EvaluatorPQMEPermanent DisabilityFurther Medical TreatmentLabor Code Section 4600Low Back InjuryPsyche Injury
References
Case No. SRO 0124747, SRO 0125588
Regular
Mar 25, 2008

Monica Joseph vs. COUNTY OF SONOMA, BRAGG & ASSOCIATES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the County of Sonoma's petition for reconsideration. The County had contested an award for temporary disability indemnity and reimbursement for self-procured medical treatment and medications. The Board adopted the Workers' Compensation Judge's report, finding sufficient justification for the award and denying the petition.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationTemporary Total DisabilitySelf-Procured Medical TreatmentReimbursementPrescriptionsReceiptsOver-the-Counter MedicationsLabor Code Section 4062Dispute Resolution
References
Case No. ADJ8336161
Regular
Dec 31, 2012

Patrick Despres vs. Pacific Titan, Inc., Seabright Insurance Company

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration and amended a previous award. The applicant, a painter injured in 2011, was found to have unreasonably refused modified work offered by the defendant. Consequently, the applicant is not entitled to temporary total disability indemnity from May 12, 2012, to September 19, 2012, and no attorney's fees can be awarded from this period.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPatrick DespresPacific Titan Inc.Seabright Insurance Companyindustrial injuryleft kneepaintertemporary total disabilityaverage weekly earningsindemnity rate
References
Case No. ADJ8890531
Regular
Jan 10, 2014

HECTOR RODRIGUEZ vs. G & F ROOFING SUPPLY, INC., STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case involves Hector Rodriguez's workers' compensation claim following a lumbar spine injury. The applicant appeals the denial of temporary total disability payments, arguing the employer's modified work offer was improper. The employer provided a sales position at a higher wage initially, but reduced the pay when the applicant failed to perform all assigned duties, which the judge found unrelated to his injury. The Board adopted the judge's report and denied the petition for reconsideration, finding the employer made a proper modified work offer and the applicant abandoned his job.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationTemporary Disability RateTemporary Total DisabilityModified DutyJob PerformanceCredibility of WitnessesWage Loss CompensationJob AbandonmentLumbar Spine Injury
References
Case No. ADJ125787 (OAK 0317757)
Regular
Nov 20, 2015

NANCY AROMIN vs. PACIFIC COIN COMMUNICATIONS, INC., STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration and rescinded a prior Findings and Award (F&A). The WCAB found that the F&A awarding medical treatment, including Flexeril, lacked substantial medical evidence. Furthermore, the WCAB directed the case back to the WCJ for further proceedings to develop the record, considering issues of timely utilization review denial and the binding nature of a deceased Agreed Medical Evaluator's reports.

References
Case No. ADJ85664607
Regular
Nov 01, 2013

YANET DUARTE ORTUNI vs. LA PERLA MEXICANA A CORPORATION, INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE WEST

This case involves a defendant's petition to remove the matter due to the Presiding Workers' Compensation Judge's alleged denial of an expedited hearing on a PQME specialty dispute. The applicant countered that the PQME appointment had been canceled. The Appeals Board dismissed the petition as moot because the cancellation of the PQME appointment resolved the underlying dispute. Therefore, the Petition for Removal was dismissed.

Petition for RemovalPresiding Workers' Compensation JudgeExpedited HearingPanel Qualified Medical EvaluatorPQME specialtymootcancelled medical appointmentWorkers' Compensation Appeals Board
References
Case No. ADJ7850702
Regular
May 04, 2012

MARTA BLACHOWICZ vs. SKYWEST AIRLINES, SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

In this workers' compensation case, the defendant, Skywest Airlines, sought reconsideration of a February 21, 2012 decision. They claimed a mutual mistake in the mathematical calculation of permanent disability and asserted the stipulation for a job displacement voucher did not reflect the parties' true agreement. The applicant countered that the stipulation was a good-faith negotiated settlement. The Administrative Law Judge recommended denying reconsideration, finding the defendant failed to demonstrate mutual mistake. Ultimately, the Petition for Reconsideration was dismissed as withdrawn by the petitioner.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationDismissalSkywest AirlinesSedgwick Claims Management ServicesSan Luis ObispoPetition to Set AsideStipulated AwardMutual MistakeMathematical Error
References
Case No. ADJ4406096 (LAO 0784412)
Regular

JOSE MORFIN vs. WHITE MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER

Defendant sought removal from a WCJ's order stipulating to two Agreed Medical Evaluators (AMEs), alleging the WCJ "forced" the agreement. Applicant's attorney and the WCJ countered that defense counsel had agreed to and proposed the AMEs, with the WCJ merely documenting the stipulation. The Appeals Board denied removal as defendant showed no prejudice, but initiated its own removal to address the attorney's alleged false statements and vexatious tactics. Consequently, the Board intends to impose sanctions of up to $2,500 on the defendant and its attorneys for filing a frivolous petition containing misrepresentations.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for RemovalAgreed Medical EvaluatorsWCJSanctionsBad Faith TacticsFrivolousUnnecessary DelayStipulationMisrepresentation of Facts
References
Showing 1-10 of 11 results

Ready to streamline your practice?

Apply these legal strategies instantly. CompFox helps you find decisions, analyze reports, and draft pleadings in minutes.

CompFox Logo

The AI standard for workers' compensation professionals. Faster research, deeper analysis, better outcomes.

Product

  • Platform
  • Workflow
  • Features
  • Pricing

Solutions

  • Defense Firms
  • Applicants' Attorneys
  • Insurance carriers
  • Medical Providers

Company

  • About
  • Insights
  • Case Law

Legal

  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Trust
  • Cookies
  • Subscription

© 2026 CompFox Inc. All rights reserved.

Systems Operational