AMED NAGI ALI vs. ABLE MAINTENANCE COMPANY, CONTINENTAL INSURANCE COMPANY, ALASKA NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY, FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY
The Appeals Board granted reconsideration to reinstate the applicant's three workers' compensation cases, which had been dismissed without prejudice. The applicant successfully argued that dismissal orders were erroneously reinstated because notices were sent to an incorrect address while he was out of the country. The Board found the petition was timely filed and emphasized the public policy favoring disposition of cases on their merits, particularly for unrepresented employees. The cases are now returned to the trial level for further proceedings and a decision on the merits.