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

Case No. ADJ7393344
Regular
Jun 19, 2012

CONNIE WHITTED vs. DHL ENTERPRISES LLC BRIGHT STAR HEALTH CARE, CHARTIS

This case concerns a petition initially filed as a "Petition for Disqualification and Reassignment," which was later amended to solely seek automatic reassignment of the judge under WCAB Rule 10453. The Appeals Board dismissed the disqualification aspect, attributing the confusion to the applicant's attorney's imprecise captioning. While the petition for automatic reassignment is remanded for determination by the presiding judge, the Board notes it was filed before a trial or expedited hearing, making its denial likely. The Board cautioned the attorney about wasted resources and the potential for future sanctions due to careless pleading.

WCAB Rule 10453WCAB Rule 10452peremptory challengedisqualificationautomatic reassignmentpresiding judgePetition for Disqualificationamended petitionJudge Brigham JonesReport and Recommendation
References
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 The WCAB rescinded the decision and returned the case to the trial level, finding the medical opinions of Dr.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. ADJ6909770 ADJ6965468 ADJ7253924 ADJ7252123
Regular
Dec 03, 2010

SYLVIA SANTOS vs. GUARD MANAGEMENT, INC., INSURANCE COMPANY OF THE WEST

This case involves Sylvia Santos's petition for reconsideration after her request to disqualify the presiding workers' compensation judge was denied. The basis for her disqualification petition, and subsequently her reconsideration request, was her unsubstantiated allegation of ex parte communications between the judge and the opposing party. The Board denied reconsideration, finding that Santos failed to provide specific facts demonstrating actual bias or prejudice by the judge. Therefore, the matter will return to the trial calendar for further proceedings.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARDPETITION FOR RECONSIDERATIONDENIAL OF PETITIONDISQUALIFICATION OF JUDGEPRESIDING WORKERS' COMPENSATION ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGEPWCJ REPORTORDER DENYING DISQUALIFICATIONVEXATIOUS LITIGANTEX PARTE COMMUNICATIONSBIAS
References
Case No. ADJ1486247 (OXN 0143747) ADJ4223931 (OXN 0141326)
Regular
May 09, 2012

JUAN JOSE GONZALEZ vs. J. M. SMUCKERS as Administered by SPECIALTY RISK SERVICES, AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES, INC., as administered by AIG DOMESTIC CLAIMS, INC.

This case concerns a petition for disqualification of Workers' Compensation Judge Morgan, filed by attorney M. Francesca Hannan. Hannan alleged that Judge Morgan and other judges conspired to dismiss her clients' liens and impose sanctions due to her medical issues causing delayed appearances. The Appeals Board denied the petition, finding the allegations unsubstantiated and the petition untimely. Hannan failed to provide specific facts or witness declarations to support her claims of bias.

Workers' Compensation Appeals Boarddisqualificationadministrative law judgelienssanctionsbiasimpartialitypetition for disqualificationmandatory settlement conferencelien claimant
References
Case No. ADJ855554 (ANA 0388777)
Regular
Aug 24, 2011

CHRISTI HOWARTH vs. LONG BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT; Permissibly Self-Insured, Administered By TRISTAR RISK MANAGEMENT

This case before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board concerns a petition for disqualification filed by applicant Christi Howarth against the Long Beach Unified School District. The Board reviewed the petition and the report of the workers' compensation administrative law judge. Based on this review, the Board has adopted the judge's report and denied the disqualification petition.

Petition for DisqualificationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJ reportdeny disqualificationrecord reviewadministrative law judgeTRISTAR RISK MANAGEMENTLONG BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICTApplicantDefendants
References
Case No. ADJ4453862 (VNO 0519650)
Regular
May 24, 2012

WILLIAM LANEY vs. CLARK PLUMBING & HEATING, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND, CALIFORNIA COMPENSATION

This case involves applicant William Laney's petition for disqualification against defendants Clark Plumbing & Heating and their insurers. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board reviewed the petition and the administrative law judge's report. Based on the record and the judge's reasoning, the Board denied the disqualification petition. Therefore, the Board issued an order formally denying Laney's request.

Petition for DisqualificationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardDenying DisqualificationAdministrative Law JudgeReportRecordAdopt and IncorporateDeniedVan Nuys District OfficeClark Plumbing & Heating
References
Case No. ADJ9268751
Regular
Jul 03, 2017

THITIKORN GALBRAITH vs. JAMES E. FITZGERALD, D.D.S., INC., EMPLOYERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE COMPANY, PREFERRED EMPLOYERS INSURANCE COMPANY

Defendant Preferred Employers Insurance Company (PEIC) sought reconsideration of an administrative law judge's (ALJ) order denying reformation of a Compromise and Release and finding another defendant joined in error. PEIC argued the ALJ should not have ruled on the matter, as a different judge initially approved the settlement. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied PEIC's petition, finding it procedurally defective and untimely filed as a disqualification request. Therefore, PEIC's attempt to challenge the ALJ's authority after the decision was unsuccessful.

Compromise and ReleasePetition for ReconsiderationFindings of Fact and OrdersWCJJudge AssignmentDisqualificationWCAB Rule 10452Labor Code section 5311TimelinessRemoval
References
Case No. ADJ979897 (POM 0248276)
Regular
Nov 14, 2008

JITENDRAKUMAR TRIVEDI vs. GTE CORPORATION, LUMBERMEN'S MUTUAL CASUALTY COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the applicant's petition to disqualify Judge C. Coutts and declare a mistrial. The applicant's request, treated as a disqualification petition, failed to comply with Labor Code section 5311 and WCAB Rule 10452 by not stating specific grounds or providing a supporting declaration. The Board found the applicant had not shown good cause to reopen his case in prior proceedings and had not demonstrated any valid reason for the current disqualification request.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardDisqualificationPetition for DisqualificationMistrialLabor Code Section 5311WCAB Rule 10452Presiding Workers' Compensation JudgeFindings of Fact and OrdersPetition for ReconsiderationWrit of Review
References
Case No. ADJ1070549 (SAC 0354129)
Regular
Sep 01, 2010

LISA ROGERS vs. NOBEL LEARNING COMMUNITIES/ MERRYHILL; CHUBB GROUP for FEDERAL INSURANCE

Applicant Lisa Rogers filed a letter requesting the disqualification of the workers' compensation administrative law judge, alleging unprofessional conduct and a conflict of interest. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) construed this letter as a petition for disqualification. However, the WCAB dismissed the petition because it was unverified, not properly served on all parties, and failed to comply with procedural requirements. Therefore, the WCAB ordered the petition for disqualification dismissed.

Petition for DisqualificationWCAB Rule 10844WCAB Rule 10850Labor Code Section 5311WCAB Rule 10452Unrepresented ApplicantRude and UnprofessionalConflict of InterestPresiding Judge Joel HarterAdministrative Law Judge
References
Case No. ADJ7601705
Regular
May 23, 2011

DAVID CHRISTOPOULOS vs. BIG O TIRES, SEQUOIA INSURANCE COMPANY

In this workers' compensation case, the applicant, David Christopoulos, filed a petition seeking disqualification of the workers' compensation administrative law judge (WCJ). The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board reviewed the petition and the WCJ's report. Finding no grounds for disqualification based on the provided record and the WCJ's reasoning, the Board issued an order denying the petition. Therefore, the WCJ remains on the case.

ChristopoulosBig O TiresSequoia InsuranceBroadspireCrawford CompanyADJ7601705Petition for DisqualificationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJDenying Disqualification
References
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