LAURA MIRANDA vs. EL SUPER MARKET, PACIFIC COMPENSATION/NORTH RIVER INSURANCE COMPANY
This case involves a lien claimant seeking reconsideration of a Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) decision barring their lien for medical services. The WCJ found the lien untimely under Labor Code section 4903.5(a) because it was filed more than 18 months after the last date of service, which occurred after July 1, 2013. The Appeals Board agreed, clarifying that the 18-month limit applies to services provided on or after July 1, 2013, and the filing on September 24, 2015, was indeed too late. The Board found the lien claimant had a reasonable time to file given the statutory amendment's effective date.