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. ADJ1298920
Regular
Dec 05, 2011

TRUDY LEE vs. CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY

In this workers' compensation case, the defendant filed a petition to disqualify the Administrative Law Judge (WCJ) based on alleged enmity and bias demonstrated by comments made at a lien trial. The WCJ acknowledged being overly zealous in settlement discussions and apologized for any outburst but denied bias or prejudice. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board reviewed the record and found no evidence of bias or prejudgment by the WCJ. Therefore, the petition for disqualification was denied.

WCABPetition for DisqualificationAdministrative Law JudgeEstrinLien TrialEnmityBiasUnqualified OpinionReport and RecommendationOverly Zealous
References
0
Case No. ADJ7811956
Regular
Oct 18, 2011

LORI BOZZO vs. SAVEMART, PEGASUS

Applicant petitioned for disqualification of the WCJ, alleging enmity and bias from the attorney due to an incident on September 1, 2011. The WCJ's report stated the incident would not prejudice the attorney or clients, and all decisions are based on evidence. The Appeals Board adopted the WCJ's report, finding no reason to doubt the absence of bias. Therefore, the petition for disqualification was denied.

Petition for DisqualificationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardAdministrative Law Judgeenmity or biasmandatory settlement conferencesReport and Recommendationevidence presentedday in Courtno bias or enmityDENIED
References
0
Case No. SAU2545427
Regular
Aug 09, 2019

YOLANDA SABLAN vs. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, ACCLAMATION SANTA CLARITA

Lien claimants sought to disqualify the workers' compensation judge, alleging bias and prejudgment of the case. The appeals board denied the petition, finding the claimants failed to provide objective evidence of bias. The board noted the judge's actions, such as continuing the matter to allow for proper notice, did not demonstrate enmity or prejudgment. Furthermore, the judge's statements in his report were deemed proper expressions of opinion within his official duties and not grounds for disqualification.

Petition for DisqualificationWCJLien ClaimantsWCAB Rule 10452Labor Code Section 5311Code of Civil Procedure Section 641Report and RecommendationDeclarationMandatory Settlement ConferencePetition to Vacate
References
38
Case No. ADJ7624426; ADJ8657421
Regular
Jun 18, 2013

NATHALIE AMEZQUITA vs. SCOTT ZIEHL an Individual, Co-Partner dba JEWELRY, Liquidation USA

The applicant petitioned for disqualification of WCJ Richard Shapiro, alleging enmity and prejudgment. The applicant's counsel stated the WCJ declared the applicant would "take nothing" and was "a liar" before trial. The WCJ did not deny these statements, suggesting they were to facilitate settlement and noting concerns about applicant's attorney's tactics. The Appeals Board granted the disqualification petition, finding the WCJ's statements demonstrated bias or the appearance of bias, and returned the case for reassignment to a new WCJ.

Petition for DisqualificationWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law Judgeenmityformed opinionprejudicedtake nothingliarinformal resolutionappearance of biasreassignment
References
0
Case No. ADJ2820557 (RDG 0106325) ADJ3301737 (RDG 0110776)
Regular
Jan 30, 2017

DEAN LAGOE vs. GRASS VALLEY FORD, AMERICAN ALTERNATIVE INSURANCE COMPANY

Defendant sought to disqualify the workers' compensation judge (WCJ) due to alleged prejudice arising from applicant's disclosure of confidential settlement negotiations in a third-party credit dispute. The Appeals Board denied the disqualification petition. The Board found that merely reviewing applicant's filings regarding the credit issue, without any expressed bias or erroneous rulings by the WCJ, did not establish grounds for disqualification. Defendant failed to present sufficient evidence to prove bias or enmity on the part of the WCJ, thus not meeting their burden of proof.

Petition for DisqualificationWCJ BiasThird-Party CreditLabor Code Section 3861Settlement NegotiationsWCAB Rule 10452Code of Civil Procedure Section 641PrejudiceConfidentialityBurden of Proof
References
6
Case No. SDO 0335244
Regular

FREDDY GOMEZ vs. EL TORITO RESTAURANT, GALLAGHER BASSETT SERVICES

This case involved a petition to disqualify a Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) based on a prior declaration of bias and an alleged appearance of bias. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the petition. The WCAB found that while a previous case established a past appearance of bias, the current petition lacked specific evidence of present bias or appearance thereof. Furthermore, the WCAB concluded that sufficient time had passed since the prior proceedings, and the appearance of bias, if any, had sufficiently attenuated.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for DisqualificationAdministrative Law JudgeLabor Code section 5311WCAB Rule 10452Appearance of BiasActual BiasBlanket RecusalMandatory Settlement ConferenceIndustrial Injury
References
1
Case No. SDO 341698
Regular
Jul 23, 2007

EVA STERBA vs. CARDIFF SOFWARE, INC., CHUBB GROUP OF INSURANCE COMPANIES

Here's a concise summary for a lawyer: A petition to disqualify a Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) based on a past admitted bias against the applicant's law firm was denied. The Appeals Board found that the six-year-old declaration of bias had been sufficiently attenuated and lacked present evidence of actual or apparent bias. Future disqualification would require specific evidence demonstrating bias.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardDisqualificationAdministrative Law JudgeBiasTrovillion Inveiss Ponticello DemakisAppearance of BiasBlanket RecusalRobbins v Sharp HealthcareDeclaration of Readiness to ProceedMandatory Settlement Conference
References
1
Case No. ADJ7027968; ADJ5681902; ADJ7028675
Regular
May 15, 2013

SATBIR SINGH vs. CARDINAL FREIGHT FLEET, CLARENDON NATIONAL, SATBIR SINGH dba SS DELIVERY, VAN LINER INSURANCE COMPANY

This Workers' Compensation Appeals Board order denies a Petition for Removal. The Board found no substantial prejudice or irreparable harm to the defendant, as exhibits have not yet been admitted into evidence. Furthermore, the defendant failed to comply with procedural requirements for seeking disqualification of the workers' compensation judge. The Board found no evidence of enmity or bias by the judge.

Petition for RemovalWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJsubstantial prejudiceirreparable harmadmissibility of exhibitsdisqualificationLabor Code section 5311WCAB Rule 10452enmity
References
0
Case No. SDO 339211 SDO 339212
Regular
Jul 23, 2007

RICHARD ESPINOZA vs. SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC

This case involved a petition to disqualify a Workers' Compensation Judge based on a prior admission of bias against the applicant's law firm. The Appeals Board denied the petition, finding that the applicant failed to present evidence of present bias or the appearance of bias. The Board reasoned that the prior admission of bias had been sufficiently attenuated by time and subsequent rulings, and that future disqualifications would require specific evidence.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardDisqualificationWCJBiasAppearance of BiasRecusalBlanket RecusalEthics ComplaintsCourt AdministratorMandatory Settlement Conference
References
1
Case No. ADJ7028627
Regular
Oct 18, 2011

STEVE WINELAND vs. FURNITURE DESIGN CENTER AND FIRST COMP.

The Applicant petitioned to disqualify the Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge (WCJ) due to alleged enmity or bias against his attorney following an incident on September 1, 2011. The WCJ stated that the incident would not affect his impartiality and all decisions would be based on presented evidence. The Appeals Board adopted the WCJ's report, finding no reason to doubt his impartiality. Consequently, the petition for disqualification was denied.

Petition for DisqualificationWCJ BiasAdministrative Law JudgeMandatory Settlement ConferencesEnmityPrejudiceEvidence-Based DecisionsReport and RecommendationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardApplicant's Attorney
References
0
Showing 1-10 of 312 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