JESSICA RIVERA vs. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL, ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY
This case involves a Petition for Removal filed by the defendant, Good Samaritan Hospital and Ace American Insurance Company, seeking to rescind an order closing discovery. The defendants argued that the order closing discovery would cause them substantial prejudice and irreparable harm by preventing them from obtaining a rebuttal vocational expert evaluation. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the petition, agreeing with the WCJ's report, but noted the defendant could request to proceed with the evaluation at trial. However, one Commissioner dissented, arguing the defendant's actions were diligent and the due process right to discovery was violated.