FELIX GARCIA vs. EUREST FINE DINING, NATIONAL UNION FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, GALLAGHER BASSETT SERVICES, INC.
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the applicant's petition for removal, upholding the administrative law judge's decision to allow a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) panel in neurology. The applicant argued this was prejudicial as his primary treating physician was a chiropractor, but the Board found he failed to demonstrate irreparable harm. The WCJ's report, which the Board adopted, noted that a neurologist was best qualified to evaluate potential radicular pain and nerve conduction studies. Therefore, removal was deemed an extraordinary remedy not warranted in this case.