PATRICIA ANN HAYES vs. ALBERTSONS, SPECIALTY RISK SERVICES
This case concerns the applicant's petition for reconsideration and removal of a Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) decision. The WCAB dismissed the reconsideration petition, finding the prior order was not final. However, they granted the removal petition, rescinded the prior order, and returned the case to the trial level for further proceedings. The WCAB found the trial judge's decision to order additional medical evaluations was premature without establishing a deficiency in the existing medical record. Finally, the applicant's petition to disqualify the trial judge was denied, as the judge's actions were not deemed to reflect a prejudgment of the case's merits.