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 The WCAB rescinded the decision and returned the case to the trial level, finding the medical opinions of Dr.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. ADJ3816448 (LAO 0789900) ADJ335314 (LAO 0818843) ADJ1177078 (LAO 0789901)
Regular
Sep 25, 2015

RAYMUNDO PITONES vs. MEL CAST LITHO, INC., CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION, SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

This case involves CIGA, the California Insurance Guarantee Association, seeking to be absolved of liability for workers' compensation benefits for an injured worker, Raymundo Pitones. CIGA argues that a settlement with another insurer for a subsequent, overlapping injury constitutes "other insurance" that should relieve CIGA of its obligations. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied CIGA's petition, finding that the subsequent settlement did not fully cover all of Pitones' injuries, particularly those that did not overlap. Therefore, CIGA remains liable for the benefits not covered by the prior settlement to ensure the applicant can recover his full benefits.

CIGACalifornia Insurance Guarantee AssociationMel Cast LithoInc.California Compensation Insurance CompanyliquidationSEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICESPetition for ReconsiderationJoint Findings of Fact and Orderworkers' compensation administrative law judge
References
Case No. ADJ3074570 (LBO 338697) ADJ838753 (LBO 347773)
Regular
Jan 06, 2009

HILARIO PONCE (HILARIO RUVALCABA) vs. ELITE PERSONNEL SERVICES, INC., CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION for VILLANOVA INSURANCE, in liquidation, by BROADSPIRE, SEVILLE CLASSICS, PREFERRED EMPLOYERS INSURANCE

The Board grants reconsideration, reverses the Arbitrator’s decision, and awards CIGA the full $16,232.14 reimbursement for medical treatment and medical-legal costs from PEIC because applicant’s claims were not “covered” claims under Insurance Code section 1063.1(c)(9).

CIGACovered ClaimsInsurance Code Section 1063.1(c)(9)Other InsuranceMedical-Legal CostsReimbursementContributionInsolvent InsurerGeneral EmployerSpecial Employer
References
Case No. AHM 90917 AHM 90918
Regular
Jul 11, 2007

ANGEL SOSA vs. D.W. FOODS, EVEREST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION, VILLANOVA INSURANCE

This case concerns a dispute over reimbursement between an insurer, Everest, and the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA), which is handling claims for a liquidated insurer, Villanova. The Board denied Everest's petition, upholding a prior award for reimbursement from Everest to CIGA. However, the Board granted CIGA's petition to amend the award to include Villanova Insurance as a party defendant.

CIGAEverest National Insurance CompanyVillanova Insuranceliquidationreconsiderationreimbursementbill review chargesjoint and several liabilitycumulative traumadenied due process
References
Case No. ADJ4684775 (VEN 0117727) ADJ4381820 (VEN 0117723)
Regular
Dec 19, 2011

JOANNE LUTZ, JOANN LUTZ vs. RUSSELL WARNER dba ROTO ROOTER SERVICES, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION for PAULA INSURANCE COMPANY, in liquidation, and for FREMONT INSURANCE COMPANY, in liquidation, LINDA McDONALD, STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board reversed a prior ruling, allowing CIGA to pursue reimbursement from State Farm for benefits paid due to applicant's industrial injuries. The Board found that unlike a request to alter a prior award, CIGA's petition sought to enforce its statutory right to reimbursement from "available" insurance under Insurance Code section 1063.1(c)(9). Since State Farm, as a jointly and severally liable insurer, appears to be such "available" insurance, the case is remanded for further proceedings on CIGA's reimbursement claim.

California Insurance Guarantee AssociationCIGAPaula Insurance CompanyFremont Insurance CompanyState Farm Insurance Companystipulated awardreconsiderationreimbursementcontributionother insurance
References
Case No. ADJ2398835 (LAO 0799123)
Regular
Mar 26, 2010

LETICIA FERNANDEZ vs. MOUNT ST. MARY'S COLLEGE, CONVERIUM INSURANCE COMPANY/SRS, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION, SEDGWICK, INC., LEGION INSURANCE COMPANY, VILLANOVA INSURANCE COMPANY

Converium Insurance Company sought reconsideration of a decision denying its claim for reimbursement from the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA). Converium had paid workers' compensation benefits to Leticia Fernandez, but later argued these payments were made in error due to applicant's denial of a specific injury. The Arbitrator recommended denying reconsideration, finding that CIGA statutes, particularly Insurance Code Sections 1063.1(c)(5) and (9), prohibit reimbursement to solvent insurance carriers for claims that are not "covered claims" or are made by assignees or subrogated parties. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board adopted the Arbitrator's report, denying Converium's petition for reconsideration.

California Insurance Guarantee AssociationCIGAConverium Insurance CompanySRSLegion Insurance CompanyVillanova Insurance Companyliquidationreconsiderationarbitrator's reportspecific injury
References
Case No. GOL 86641, GOL 99800
Regular
Aug 07, 2008

MIGUEL TORRES vs. HENDRY TELEPHONE PRODUCTS, CONNECTICUT INDEMNITY/ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE INSURANCE, HR3 STAFFING SERVICES, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION, LEGION INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted reconsideration to correct errors in the original award, specifically the misidentification of employers and their insurers. The WCAB rescinded the prior award and returned the case for further proceedings to determine the existence of a cumulative injury and clarify employer liability. The Board also noted that Connecticut Indemnity's policy likely constitutes "other insurance," thus precluding CIGA's involvement.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardJoint Findings and AwardReconsiderationIndustrial InjuryNeckRight Upper ExtremityCarpal Tunnel SyndromeCubital Tunnel SyndromeHeadachesDizziness
References
Case No. GRO 0023124
Regular
Dec 31, 2007

CAROLINA CAMACHO vs. TEAMWORK, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION, INTERCARE INSURANCE SERVICES, DEN-MAT, ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY

Zenith Insurance sought reconsideration of a WCAB decision that found CIGA not liable because other insurance was available, ordering Zenith to reimburse CIGA for benefits paid. Zenith argued the WCAB lacked jurisdiction, claiming the contribution issue was subject to mandatory arbitration under Labor Code § 5275. The WCAB denied reconsideration, ruling that § 5275 did not apply as this was a general/special employment situation, not a cumulative trauma case, and Zenith's insurance constituted "other insurance" relieving CIGA of liability.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCalifornia Insurance Guarantee AssociationCIGAZenith Insurance CompanyContributionMandatory ArbitrationLabor Code Section 5275Labor Code Section 5500.5General EmploymentSpecial Employment
References
Case No. ADJ4634668 (FRE 0169001)
Regular
Jan 31, 2012

SUE JORDAN vs. ANDERSON CLAYTON & CO. (COALINGA FEED YARD), STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION for FREMONT INSURANCE COMPANY, in liquidation

The California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA) sought reconsideration of an order approving a compromise and release agreement between the applicant and State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF). CIGA argued its due process rights were violated as it wasn't properly notified of the 2006 order. The Appeals Board found the 2006 order did not affect CIGA's right to seek reimbursement from SCIF, as CIGA's claim arises from insurance code provisions, not the prior agreement. The Board affirmed the 2006 order and returned the case to the trial level to determine CIGA's reimbursement claim against SCIF.

CIGASCIFFremont Insuranceliquidationcompromise and releasecumulative traumaindustrial injuryreimbursementother insuranceInsurance Code section 1063.1(c)(9)
References
Case No. STK 0142666
Regular
Jan 17, 2008

DAVID SOTO vs. ADVANCED PACKING & DISTRIBUTION, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION On Behalf Of RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, In Liquidation

This case involves a workers' compensation claim where the applicant sustained an injury while employed by both a general employer (Remedy) and a special employer (Advanced). Remedy's insurer, Reliance, became insolvent, leading CIGA to assume potential liability. The WCJ found that Advanced's insurer, SCIF, provided "other insurance" under Insurance Code § 1063.1(c)(9), thus relieving CIGA of responsibility. The Appeals Board denied SCIF's reconsideration, affirming that SCIF's policy constituted "other insurance" and that CIGA is a last resort insurer.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardCIGAReliance Insurance Companyliquidationspecial employergeneral employerother insuranceInsurance Code section 1063.1(c)(9)covered claimsjoint and several liability
References
Showing 1-10 of 9,900 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