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Access over workers' compensation decisions, including En Banc, Significant Panel Decisions, and writ-denied cases.

Case No. ADJ14466153
Regular
Oct 21, 2025

JESSE CRUZ vs. BRISTOL INDUSTRIES, TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY OF AMERICA

Applicant Jesse Cruz sought reconsideration of a WCJ's June 3, 2022 Findings and Order (F&O), which found he did not sustain an industrial injury to his back, hips, legs, and feet while employed by Bristol Industries on June 17, 2020. The Appeals Board previously granted reconsideration to further study the case and found the applicant's petition for reconsideration was timely filed. Citing insufficient medical evidence on the issue of injury and a lack of clear analysis in the WCJ's credibility determination, the Board rescinded the F&O and remanded the matter to the trial level for further proceedings, including obtaining expert medical opinion on the injury and a more detailed credibility analysis by the WCJ.

AOE/COEPetition for ReconsiderationAdjudication NumberFindings and OrderWCJReconsiderationFurther ProceedingsBack PainPeripheral NeuropathyLumbar MRI
References
Case No. ADJ2453188 (LBO 0391424)
Regular
Jul 20, 2009

WILLIAM GILBERT vs. CITY OF LOS ANGELES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration and rescinded the prior award, finding the medical evidence insufficient. The applicant sought a higher permanent disability rating than the $12\%$ awarded, arguing the judge erred in calculating impairment and omitting pain and grip strength adjustments recommended by the Agreed Medical Evaluator. The Board returned the case to the trial level for further development of the medical record, requiring the evaluator to fully explain their findings on impairment, pain, and grip strength, and to consider *Almaraz* principles regarding equitable permanent disability awards.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCumulative InjuryPermanent DisabilityLeft Median Sensory NeuropathyLeft Ulnar Motor NeuropathyAgreed Medical EvaluatorOrthopedistAMA GuidesImpairment RatingGrip Strength
References
Case No. ADJ11826196
Regular
Oct 09, 2020

HUBER GARCIA vs. TESLA MOTORS, ZURICH NORTH AMERICA

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has rescinded a prior WCJ decision in *Garcia v. Tesla Motors*. This action was taken because the parties have reached a proposed settlement while the case was pending on reconsideration. The matter is now returned to the trial level for the WCJ to review the settlement. If the settlement is not approved, the WCJ can reinstate the original decision, with the option for further reconsideration.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationProposed SettlementRescind DecisionReturned to Trial LevelWCJAdministrative Law JudgeZurich North AmericaTesla MotorsADJ11826196
References
Case No. VNO 388892, VNO 388897
Regular
Dec 21, 2007

DARRELL BOWEN vs. GALPIN MOTORS, INC., LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of a prior decision regarding Darrell Bowen's claim against Galpin Motors and Liberty Mutual. While affirming the original decision, the Board amended one finding of fact to assess a 25% penalty for unreasonable delay in providing medical treatment, not exceeding $10,000. The parties were directed to adjust this penalty with jurisdiction reserved.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardReconsiderationWCJ reportMedical treatment delayPenalty assessmentUnreasonably delayedJurisdiction reservedOpinion and OrderDecision After ReconsiderationFindings of Fact
References
Case No. ADJ3741925 (VNO 0106922) ADJ3558542 (VNO 0106921)
Regular
Jul 06, 2012

MICHELE KOTLARCHICK vs. GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied General Motors' Petition for Reconsideration regarding a $500 contempt citation. The Board found the defendant's counsel persistently argued a point after the judge ruled against him and warned of contempt. This continued defiance constituted deliberate disobedience and flouting of the court's authority. Additionally, the Board denied the Petition for Removal concerning a discovery order, finding no substantial prejudice or irreparable harm.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardMichele KotlarchickGeneral Motors CorporationPetition for ReconsiderationContempt citationVigorous advocacyDefiance of rulingDirect contemptLabor Code § 5309(c)Petition for Removal
References
Case No. ADJ2667325 (LAO 0789144)
Regular
Jul 08, 2014

Brenda Millender vs. Ford Motor Company

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration of a decision finding Brenda Millender sustained a psychiatric injury due to her employment at Ford Motor Company. Ford argued the WCJ erred in finding actual employment events caused the injury, that medical evidence was insufficient, and that the injury stemmed from lawful personnel actions. The WCAB rescinded the award and returned the case to the trial level. This is because the WCJ did not properly analyze Ford's affirmative defense that the injury was substantially caused by good faith personnel actions, as required by Labor Code section 3208.3(h). The WCJ also failed to consider Ford's documentary evidence supporting its defense and misapplied the causation standard for good faith personnel actions.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardBrenda MillenderFord Motor CompanyOpinion and Decision After Reconsiderationindustrial cumulative traumapsyche injurypredominant causeLabor Code section 3208.3good faith personnel actionssubstantial medical evidence
References
Case No. ADJ8817767
Regular
Mar 03, 2016

YOLANDA JONES vs. DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This Workers' Compensation Appeals Board case involves a petition for removal filed by the applicant, Yolanda Jones, against the Department of Motor Vehicles and State Compensation Insurance Fund. The applicant's attorney, Ratto Law Firm, subsequently withdrew the petition for removal. Consequently, the Board has issued an order dismissing the withdrawn petition.

Petition for RemovalWithdrawn PetitionDismissed PetitionWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardADJ8817767Department of Motor VehiclesState Compensation Insurance FundMarguerite SweeneyRatto Law Firm
References
Case No. ADJ1137286
Regular
Mar 03, 2009

PINAZ KOLAHI vs. GENERAL MOTORS CORP., SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT

Defendant General Motors seeks reconsideration of a Workers' Compensation Appeals Board decision awarding temporary disability, permanent disability, and future medical treatment to applicant Pinaz Kolahi. Defendant argues the cumulative trauma period ending date is unsupported, temporary disability is unsubstantiated, and permanent disability indemnity was calculated at an incorrect rate. The Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the original and amended findings, and remanded the case for further proceedings due to an apparent inconsistency between the amended findings and opinion on decision. The Board expressed no opinion on the merits of the underlying contentions.

WCABADJ1137286VNO 0490167Pinaz KolahiGeneral Motors Corp.Sedgwick Claims ManagementFindings and AwardAmended Findings and AwardPetition for ReconsiderationReport and Recommendation
References
Case No. ADJ7721818 ADJ7721448
Regular
Feb 04, 2013

JERRY BONDS vs. LANDJET MOTOR CARRIER, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case involves applicant Jerry Bonds' workers' compensation claims against Landjet Motor Carrier and State Compensation Insurance Fund. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) has issued an order dismissing Bonds' Petition for Reconsideration. The dismissal is based on the grounds that the petition was not timely filed. The WCAB adopted the reasoning of the workers' compensation administrative law judge's report in their decision.

Petition for ReconsiderationDismissedTimely FiledWCJ ReportWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardLandjet Motor CarrierState Compensation Insurance FundADJ7721818ADJ7721448Pomona District Office
References
Case No. ADJ450240 (SFO 0509944)
Regular
Sep 10, 2009

ARIEL LEVY vs. DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

This case involves a petition for reconsideration filed by the defendant, the Department of Motor Vehicles and State Compensation Insurance Fund. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board has granted this petition, recognizing the need for further study of the factual and legal issues. This action is intended to ensure a thorough understanding of the record and facilitate a just decision. All future communications regarding this matter should be directed to the Board's reconsideration unit.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationGranting ReconsiderationDepartment of Motor VehiclesState Compensation Insurance FundStatutory Time ConstraintsFactual IssuesLegal IssuesJust and Reasoned DecisionFurther Proceedings
References
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