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. ADJ8026817
Regular
Apr 22, 2013

MARIA OCHOA vs. RANGERS DIE CASTING COMPANY, COMPWEST INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration of a decision finding the applicant sustained injury to her respiratory system and psyche AOE/COE. The WCAB rescinded the decision and returned the case to the trial level, finding the medical opinions of Dr. Lipper and Dr. Curtis lacked substantiality. Specifically, the physicians failed to provide clear diagnoses, quantify exposures, or adequately explain causation. The Board noted contradictory testimony from the applicant's supervisor and insufficient evidence to support the initial findings.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardMaria OchoaRangers Die Casting CompanyCOMPWEST INSURANCE COMPANYADJ8026817Los Angeles District OfficeOpinion and Order Granting ReconsiderationDecision After ReconsiderationFindings of FactWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge (WCJ)
References
Case No. ADJ8990294
Regular
Oct 26, 2015

VELMA CRUZ vs. TRINITY NURSING HOME MANAGEMENT/SERRANO SOUTH CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL, SEABRIGHT INSURANCE COMPANY

This case involves an applicant seeking workers' compensation for injuries allegedly sustained as a certified nursing assistant. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration of the administrative law judge's (WCJ) decision that found no industrial injury, adopting the WCJ's reasoning that the applicant failed to meet her burden of proof regarding causation. While one commissioner dissented, advocating for further record development due to credible testimony of injury mechanisms and potentially insufficient medical evidence, the majority upheld the denial. The majority also noted that, separate from the causation issue, a post-termination provision might also bar the claim.

WCABVelma CruzTrinity Nursing HomeSerrano South ConvalescentSeabright InsuranceADJ8990294Petition for ReconsiderationAdministrative Law JudgeFindings and OrderCertified Nursing Assistant
References
Case No. ADJ7485844, ADJ7485852
Regular
Nov 26, 2012

MDR-81 XYZZX vs. COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, TRISTAR RISK MANAGEMENT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied reconsideration of an award to an applicant who sustained injuries as a Public Health Nurse from 1991 to 1999. The applicant, proceeding pro per after dismissing her fourth attorney, contested issues including overpayment credits and the review of evidence. The WCAB adopted the findings of the Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ), who found the applicant's contentions regarding the evidence and overpayment credits unpersuasive. The WCAB also suggested the applicant contact the Information and Assistance Officer for guidance on understanding the award and legal process.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsideration DeniedPublic Health NurseDates of InjuryParts of Body InjuredFindings and AwardPetition for ReconsiderationApplicant in Pro PerAgreed Medical ExaminersTemporary Disability Indemnity
References
Case No. ADJ7817116, ADJ7875974
Regular
Nov 13, 2012

Karen Swanson vs. FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to address the defendant's claim that the prior award of medical treatment lacked substantial medical evidence. The Board affirmed the necessity of a Nurse Case Manager, a power-assisted wheelchair, podiatrist visits, and a consultation with Dr. Kodama based on stipulations and medical opinion. However, the Board found insufficient evidence for other requested treatments like physical therapy, home modifications, housekeeping, a wheelchair-accessible van, and social worker visits. Jurisdiction was reserved for these deferred issues pending further development of the medical record, including a home modifications consultation.

WCABAmended Findings and OrderPetition for Reconsiderationsubstantial medical evidenceLabor Code section 4604.5Nurse Case Managerpower-assisted wheelchairpodiatristDr. Kodamadysphagia
References
Case No. ADJ2270309 (VNO 0113668) ADJ4503834 (VNO 0113665) ADJ3103605 (VNO 0113666) ADJ2309113 (VNO 0113667)
Regular
Nov 10, 2010

MARIA GARCIA vs. CITY OF LOS ABNGELES, Permissibly Self-Insured

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of a previous award, finding merit in the applicant's contentions regarding denied medical treatments. The Board intends to admit a nurse case manager's report that was previously excluded. This reconsideration aims to further review the factual and legal issues to ensure a just decision regarding the applicant's extensive care needs stemming from long-term quadriplegia. The Board is specifically addressing disputes over various requested services, including nursing care, home modifications, and specific medical treatments.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSupplemental Findings and AwardHomecareNursing ServicesBedsore TreatmentHousekeeping ServicesHospital BedQuadriplegiaInternal InjuryLabor Code §5803
References
Case No. ADJ10806745
Regular
Sep 14, 2018

Richard Gabriel Gomez vs. Providence Little Company of Mary, Providence Health and Services

In this workers' compensation case, the applicant, a registered nurse, was injured when he fell after assisting a delivery driver to the hospital's loading dock. The defendant argued the injury was not AOE/COE as the applicant's actions were outside his employment duties. The Board denied reconsideration, affirming the WCJ's finding that assisting the driver was a reasonable act within the scope of employment, especially considering the hospital's stewardship policy. The Board also found no due process violation regarding the handling of deposition transcripts.

AOE/COEStewardship PolicyScope of EmploymentDeviation from DutyCredibility DeterminationDue ProcessAdmissibility of EvidencePetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardRegistered Nurse
References
Case No. ADJ1055189 (VNO 0384673) ADJ1713367 (VNO 0396399)
Regular
Dec 05, 2008

Diane Martinez vs. STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND, Permissibly Self-Insured

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration and rescinded an arbitrator's award of weight loss treatment, attendant care, and household assistance. The Board found the arbitrator erred by conducting an independent investigation without notice to the parties and by failing to provide an adequate record, including a summary of evidence. The case is remanded for further proceedings before a new arbitrator or judge to ensure a proper evidentiary record supports any future award.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardState Compensation Insurance FundReconsiderationArbitratorWeight Reduction ProgramAttendant AssistanceHousehold AssistanceMedical JustificationDue ProcessIndependent Investigation
References
Case No. ADJ6772563
Regular
Nov 19, 2013

SHEILA NEWTON vs. CEDARS SINAI HEALTH SYSTEM, TRISTAR RISK MANAGEMENT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the employer's petition for reconsideration, upholding the finding that a registered nurse sustained a compensable psychiatric injury AOE/COE. The Board agreed with the Workers' Compensation Judge that the employer's conduct, specifically a meeting concerning coworker complaints and discussions of retirement, was not a lawful, nondiscriminatory, good faith personnel action. While the employer argued the meeting was a routine event based on objective complaints, the Board found the applicant's perception of age discrimination was objectively reasonable given her testimony and performance history. Therefore, the applicant's psychiatric injury claim remained compensable, entitling her to temporary and permanent disability benefits and future medical treatment.

Psychiatric injuryAOE/COElawful personnel actiongood faithobjective reasonablenessLabor Code § 3208.3(h)WCJ findingscredibilityage discriminationco-worker complaints
References
Case No. ADJ3834810 (SRO 0121550)
Regular
Sep 03, 2009

MICHAEL RISCH vs. AT HOME NURSING, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the defendant's petition for reconsideration, upholding the administrative law judge's finding of 100% permanent disability for the applicant. The Board found substantial evidence supported the total permanent disability rating and the applicant's average weekly earnings. The 1997 Permanent Disability Rating Schedule was correctly applied due to pre-January 1, 2005 medical reporting indicating permanent disability. The Board also affirmed the WCJ's rejection of apportionment to pre-existing conditions, as the applicant had fully recovered and returned to strenuous work.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardMichael RischAt Home NursingState Compensation Insurance FundADJ3834810Opinion and Order Denying Petition for ReconsiderationFindings and Awardadministrative law judgecumulative traumaindustrial injury
References
Case No. ADJ3438513 (VEN 0012683)
Regular
Mar 10, 2017

KENNETH DUNCAN vs. COUNTY OF VENTURA, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the defendant's petition for reconsideration. The Board found that the defendant unilaterally ceased providing medical treatment (board and care/assisted living) without substantial medical evidence proving it was no longer reasonably required. Citing *Patterson v. The Oaks Farm*, the Board held the defendant bears the burden of proof for discontinuing authorized treatment. As the defendant acknowledged providing this benefit for decades and failed to demonstrate a change in circumstances, their petition was denied.

WCABPetition for ReconsiderationPatterson v. The Oaks Farmunilateral terminationmedical treatmentsubstantial medical evidenceboard and care facilityassisted living residenceLabor Code Section 4600nursing care
References
Showing 1-10 of 414 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