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

Case No. ADJ4464746 (SAC 0358795)
Regular
Oct 07, 2014

ANDREW THOMPSON (Deceased), EDITH THOMPSON (Spouse) vs. HUHTAMAKI AMERICAS, INC., ACE AMERICAN INSURANCE CO.

This case concerns a workers' compensation death benefit claim filed by Edith Thompson, widow of Andrew Thompson, who died from asbestos exposure. The defendant sought reconsideration of a prior ruling that her claim was not time-barred. The Board rescinded the prior decision, finding that Labor Code section 5406.5 requires death benefit claims for asbestos-related deaths to be filed within one year of the date of death. Edith Thompson's application, filed over a year after her husband's death, was therefore dismissed as untimely.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardAndrew ThompsonEdith ThompsonHuhtamaki AmericasInc.ACE American Insurance Co.toxic exposureasbestoscumulative traumadeath benefits
References
Case No. ADJ9509417
Regular
Apr 05, 2023

ELIZABETH ARBOGAST vs. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board affirmed an award for further medical treatment and attorney fees for an applicant diagnosed with ovarian cancer, hernia, peripheral neuropathy, and colon issues sustained during her employment with the California Highway Patrol. The Board found the applicant's ovarian cancer to be an insidious and progressive disease, warranting a reservation of jurisdiction over permanent disability. This reservation allows for future determination of permanent disability if the condition worsens or recurs.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardCalifornia Highway Patrolmedically uninsuredState Compensation Insurance FundAdjudication NumberOpinion and Decision After ReconsiderationFindings and Awardworker's compensation administrative law judgeovarian cancerhernia
References
Case No. ADJ6824732
Regular
Sep 06, 2012

SHEILA CORREIA, KENNETH BURNETT (Deceased) vs. VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS, AMERICAN HOME ASSURANCE COMPANY, CHARTIS, SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

This case concerns a deceased worker, Kenneth Burnett, diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. The sole issue was determining the date of last injurious exposure to establish liability. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration of the judge's decision. The judge found the applicant's medical expert's opinion on a five to ten-year latency period to be more persuasive than the defendant's expert's twenty-year period. This led to a finding that the decedent's last injurious asbestos exposure occurred between 1996 and 2001, during his employment with Verizon.

MesotheliomaLatency PeriodAsbestos ExposureDate of Last Injurious ExposureLC §5500.5LC §5412Verizon CommunicationsSedgwick Claims Management ServicesDr. LurosDr. Raybin
References
Case No. ADJ3477365 (LBO 0284280)
Regular
Mar 22, 2010

JAMES MASON vs. GARDEN GROVE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration of a prior award finding an air conditioning mechanic industrially injured by asbestos exposure and determined the last date of exposure and cumulative injury period. The Board rescinded the award, returning the case to the trial level to determine the applicant's date of injury under Labor Code Section 5412, which is crucial for assessing the statute of limitations and employer liability. The WCJ must also re-evaluate the asbestos exposure evidence and potentially the applicable Permanent Disability Rating Schedule based on the corrected date of injury.

Occupational diseaseAsbestos exposureCumulative injuryStatute of limitationsDate of injuryLabor Code Section 5500.5Labor Code Section 5412Petition for ReconsiderationQualified Medical Evaluator (QME)Permanent disability
References
Case No. ADJ460520 (SAL 0101308)
Regular
Feb 22, 2010

Joaquin Borges vs. COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration to reverse a finding that applicant Joaquin Borges sustained a cumulative trauma injury from asbestos exposure while employed by the County of Santa Cruz in 1989, resulting in colorectal cancer. The Board found insufficient substantial medical evidence to establish causation, noting Dr. Duncan's opinion relied on an inaccurate exposure history and lacked a clear dose-response analysis for non-asbestos worker exposure. The matter is returned to the trial level to determine if applicant is entitled to a presumption of injury under Labor Code section 3212.1.

Cumulative traumaAsbestos exposureColorectal cancerIndustrial injuryMedical probabilityExposure assessmentLatency periodDose-response relationshipPeace officer presumptionLabor Code section 3212.1
References
Case No. SRO 0115364
Regular
Jul 09, 2007

PAULETTE BELL vs. SANTA ROSA CITY SCHOOLS

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board granted reconsideration, rescinded the previous award, and found that the applicant did not sustain an industrial injury. While the applicant experienced exposure to asbestos, silica, and lead, there was insufficient medical evidence to establish a present injury or need for treatment. The Board clarified that the applicant may pursue a claim in the future if a disability arises from the exposure.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationIndustrial ExposureAsbestosQuartz SilicaLeadDate of InjurySelf-Procured Medical ExpensesCumulative TraumaSpecific Injury
References
Case No. ADJ11145478
Regular
Mar 11, 2020

Belen Ramirez vs. SATE OF CLALIFORNIA, DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS/HEMAN STARK YOUTH CORRECTIONAL FACILITY

The Appeals Board granted reconsideration of the WCJ's decision that the applicant failed to prove injury arising out of and in the course of employment (AOE/COE). The Board found that the Qualified Medical Examiner's (QME) reports and deposition testimony lacked substantial evidence due to inconsistencies regarding causation of the applicant's sarcoidosis and exposure to asbestos. Consequently, the Board rescinded the WCJ's order and returned the case for further development of the record. This further development should include clarifying the QME's opinions on causation and potentially obtaining a new medical evaluation if necessary.

SarcoidosisQualified Medical Examiner (QME)AOE/COESubstantial evidenceMedical opinionRecord developmentAsbestos exposurePulmonary medicineOccupational exposureEtiology
References
Case No. ADJ9006861
Regular
Mar 08, 2017

ROBERT MORGAN (Deceased), CELIA MORGAN vs. NATIONAL STEEL AND SHIPBUILDING COMPANY, CAMPBELL INDUSTRIES, ZENITH INSURANCE COMPANY, STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION

This case concerns defendant NASSCO's petition for removal regarding discovery of the deceased applicant's HIV/AIDS medical records. The WCAB denied removal, affirming the WCJ's order, finding the records irrelevant to the claimed asbestos exposure and subsequent death. The majority held that California Civil Code § 56.31 requires authorization for HIV/AIDS information unless directly related to an employment exposure incident of HIV/AIDS, which was not alleged here. Commissioner Razo dissented, arguing that the records could be relevant to causation and that privacy concerns could be addressed with protective orders.

Petition for RemovalFindings & OrderHIV/AIDSmedical recordsdiscoveryindustrial injurylungsrespiratory systemdeath benefitsasbestos exposure
References
Case No. ADJ8073207
Regular
Mar 07, 2014

STEVEN PRISK vs. LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Appeals Board granted reconsideration and affirmed the WCJ's decision awarding applicant industrial psychiatric injury, temporary disability, and further medical treatment against the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Board amended the decision to clarify the Labor Code section 5814 penalty for unreasonably withheld temporary disability benefits is capped at $10,000. The Board strongly condemned the defendant's petition for its numerous mischaracterizations, frivolous arguments, and unprofessional tone, cautioning against future violations. The defendant's arguments regarding asbestos exposure and termination were deemed irrelevant or unsubstantiated.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPsychiatric InjuryCumulative TraumaTemporary DisabilityLabor Code Section 5814PenaltyReconsiderationAdministrative Law JudgeMedical TreatmentAsbestos Exposure
References
Case No. LAO 801322
Regular
May 23, 2008

O.C. MARSHALL (Deceased) JENNIFER MARSHALL (Widow) vs. ARCO/BRITISH PETROLEUM; ESIS

This case concerns a widow's appeal of a denial of workers' compensation benefits for her husband's death. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) denied benefits, finding the death was due to natural causes and not his employment as a pipe fitter for Arco/British Petroleum. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board affirmed the denial, finding the applicant's medical expert's opinion lacked substantial evidence due to an inaccurate history and incomplete analysis of the decedent's medical records and family history.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardApplicantDefendantPetition for ReconsiderationFindings of Fact and OrdersAdministrative Law JudgeQualified Medical EvaluatorQMEatherosclerotic diseasehypertension
References
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