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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 The WCAB rescinded the decision and returned the case to the trial level, finding the medical opinions of Dr.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. ADJ540267 (GOL 0097056)
Regular
May 03, 2010

RACHEL RAMIREZ vs. SANTA BARBARA COTTAGE HOSPITAL, KEENAN & ASSOCIATES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration of the Administrative Law Judge's (ALJ) decision in the case of Rachel Ramirez v. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The WCAB rescinded the ALJ's decision and returned the matter to the trial level for further proceedings and a new decision. This action indicates the initial decision was insufficient or flawed, requiring further development of the record and a new ruling. The parties retain the right to seek reconsideration of any future decision by the ALJ.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardSanta Barbara Cottage HospitalKeenan & AssociatesPetition for ReconsiderationWorkers' Compensation Administrative Law JudgeGranting ReconsiderationRescind DecisionFurther ProceedingsDecision After ReconsiderationTrial Level
References
Case No. ADJ9198656; ADJ9192994
Regular
Jul 07, 2025

JEANETTE LIRA vs. COTTAGE HEALTH SYSTEM, PSI, SANSUM SANTA BARBARA MEDICAL, ZURICH AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY

Defendants Cottage Health System and Zurich American Insurance Company sought reconsideration of a Joint Findings and Award. Cottage Health contended it was incorrectly identified as the liable employer instead of Sansum Santa Barbara Medical, insured by Zurich. Zurich argued there were multiple injuries or that compensation was barred by the statute of limitations. The Appeals Board denied Zurich's petition, granted Cottage Health's petition, and amended the award to reflect Sansum Santa Barbara Medical, insured by Zurich American Insurance Company, as the liable party.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardJeanette LiraCottage Health SystemGallagher BassettZurich American Insurance CompanySansum Santa Barbara MedicalAdjudication NumbersJoint Findings and AwardPetition for ReconsiderationComplex Regional Pain Syndrome
References
Case No. GOL 0099075 GOL 0099076 GOL 0099077 GOL 0100393
Regular
Jan 10, 2008

LOIS M. HOUSMAN vs. SANTA BARBARA COTTAGE HOSPITAL, KEENAN & ASSOCIATES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to amend a prior award concerning Lois Housman's entitlement to medical treatment. The Board ordered that the parties must follow the process outlined in Labor Code section 4062.2 to resolve the dispute regarding a pain psychology evaluation recommended by the applicant's treating physician. The finding that the applicant is entitled to a weight loss program was affirmed.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardSanta Barbara Cottage HospitalKeenan & AssociatesLois M. HousmanPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardAdministrative Law Judge (WCJ)Weight Loss ProgramPsyche EvaluationDr. Errico
References
Case No. SBA 74989
Regular
Apr 14, 2008

ELISABETH MILLER vs. SANTA BARBARA COTTAGE HOSPITAL, KEENAN & ASSOCIATES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of a prior award, affirming the finding of a compensable psychiatric injury for applicant Elisabeth Miller against Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The Board amended the award to correct the temporary disability period from over six years to May 2, 1994, to April 14, 1995, adopting the judge's recommendation to limit the duration. This amendment addresses defendant's contention regarding an excessive temporary disability award.

WCABPetition for ReconsiderationFindings and AwardIndustrial InjuryPsycheCardiovascular SystemMedical TreatmentCardiac SymptomsPsychiatric InjuryPredominant Cause
References
Case No. ADJ7632437
Regular
Apr 20, 2015

MARIA GARCIA vs. HISTORIC SANTA MARIA INN, FIREMANS FUND INSURANCE COMPANY

In this workers' compensation case, the applicant sought to change venue from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara. The initial venue was based on her former attorney's location, but the applicant lives, worked, and was injured in Santa Barbara County, where her current attorney also practices. The Appeals Board granted removal, finding that the Santa Barbara "satellite office" functions as a full trial court office. Therefore, venue was changed to Santa Barbara, as statutory criteria for venue are met and substantial prejudice would result from maintaining the current location.

Petition for RemovalOrder Denying Change of VenueWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardWCJVenueSan Luis ObispoSanta BarbaraSatellite OfficeLabor Code Section 5501.5Application for Adjudication of Claim
References
Case No. ADJ1153404
Regular
Jan 03, 2014

BARBARA DIEFENBACH, (BARBARA CLARK) vs. SAN JOAQUIN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, Permissibly Self-Insured, Administered By ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM

This case involves a petition for reconsideration filed by Barbara Diefenbach (Applicant) against San Joaquin Community Hospital. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the petition on its merits, adopting the reasoning of the administrative law judge. Furthermore, the petition was subject to dismissal for failure to serve all adverse parties. The Board also admonished the petitioner for procedural violations, including attaching an unauthorized medical report and filing a supplemental petition improperly.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARDPetition for ReconsiderationDENIEDLabor Code section 5905WCAB Rule 10842WCAB Rule 10848sanctionsLab. Code§ 5813administrative law judge
References
Case No. ADJ9342987, ADJ9342988
Regular
Apr 21, 2014

DEBBIE MORRISON vs. COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA/PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT, CORVEL

This case involves an applicant's petition for removal, seeking a change of venue to a Santa Barbara office. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied the petition, affirming the WCJ's report. The WCAB explained that the Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) dictates office locations based on budgetary constraints and can calendar hearings at different offices due to limited resources. The applicant may petition for a change of venue to Oxnard.

Petition for RemovalWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardDivision of Workers' CompensationVenueSatellite FacilityIrreparable HarmAdministrative Law JudgeLabor Code § 138.2(b)Labor Code § 5501.5Goleta District Office
References
Case No. ADJ9400192
Regular
Oct 08, 2015

MARGARITA SANCHEZ vs. CITY OF SANTA BARBARA

In Sanchez v. City of Santa Barbara, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted the applicant's petition for reconsideration. This decision was made to allow the WCAB sufficient time to thoroughly review the factual and legal issues presented in the case. The WCAB aims to ensure a just and reasoned outcome after further study and potential proceedings. All future correspondence regarding the petition must be filed directly with the WCAB Commissioners.

Petition for ReconsiderationWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardADJ9400192City of Santa BarbaraJT2 Integrated ResourcesStatutory time constraintsFactual and legal issuesJust and reasoned decisionOffice of the CommissionersElectronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS)
References
Case No. ADJ7191263
Regular
Aug 17, 2010

CHRISTOPHER PAPPAS vs. COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied the County of Santa Barbara's petition for reconsideration, upholding an award for surgical treatment in Germany for Christopher Pappas. The County argued the award was improper because the treating physician's request lacked the required authorization format. However, the Board found the County waived its right to object by not raising this issue earlier and presented no evidence that the surgery was not reasonably necessary. Therefore, the Board affirmed the administrative law judge's decision to grant the award.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardChristopher PappasCounty of Santa BarbaraPetition for ReconsiderationFindings of Fact and Awardsurgical treatmenttreating physicianindustrial injurycumulative traumaspinal surgery
References
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