NAHIDEH SARRAFIEH vs. CITY OF EL SEGUNDO
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted the applicant's Petition for Removal due to a procedural error by the Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ). The WCJ erroneously set the case for trial after issuing a confusing "Notice of Hearing Cancellation" which led applicant's counsel to believe the hearing was cancelled. Despite applicant's counsel appearing and objecting, the WCJ proceeded to set the trial, failing to provide adequate notice. The Appeals Board rescinded the trial setting order and remanded the case for a new Mandatory Settlement Conference to ensure proper notice and preparation.