MARIA FUENTES vs. WAKEFIELD ENGINEERING, AIG COSTA MESA, LUMBERMEN'S MUTUAL CASUALTY CO.
This case involves a defendant seeking reconsideration of an order that reinstated a prior workers' compensation award. The defendant argued the order erroneously reinstated the award after it was dismissed from one of the underlying cases and was not given due process. The Appeals Board dismissed the reconsideration petition, finding the order at issue was not a final order and thus not subject to review under Labor Code section 5900. Furthermore, the Board denied a petition for removal, concluding the defendant failed to demonstrate significant prejudice or irreparable harm, as it remains liable under the joint award and can seek contribution from another insurer.