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Case Law Database

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

Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

In re the Adoption of J.

The case concerns an adoption proceeding initiated by a same-sex couple. The court addresses whether to appoint a guardian ad litem for the adoptive infant, a practice previously common in same-sex adoptions due to their novelty. Citing Matter of Dana, which affirmed the legality of same-sex and heterosexual unmarried couple adoptions, the court found no legal basis to treat same-sex adoptions differently from those by married couples, where a guardian ad litem is not automatically appointed if statutory requirements and social worker reports are favorable. The court concluded that denying equal treatment could violate federal and state equal protection clauses, deciding against appointing a guardian ad litem unless special circumstances are present.

AdoptionSame-sex coupleGuardian ad litemBest interest of childEqual protectionDomestic Relations LawStatutory interpretationCourt of AppealsSurrogate's CourtFamily Law
References
2
Case No. ADJ2706793 [SFO 0468588]
Regular
Nov 16, 2009

GUADALUPE RAMIREZ (DECEASED); and KATHRYN YOLKEN (Guardian ad Litem for minor dependents), JUAN JENOVEBO GARCIA (DECEASED); and KATHRYN YOLKEN (Guardian ad Litem for minor dependents), RAFAEL TAPIA, JR., minor; and KATHRYN YOLKEN (Guardian ad Litem), ROLANDO TAPIA (DECEASED); and KATHRYN YOLKEN (Guardian ad Litem for dependent minors) vs. ARGUS NEWSPAPER/ANG NEWSPAPERS; and LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

The WCAB rescinds its July 1, 2008 Findings of Fact and Order, and returns the case to the trial level for review and potential approval of the parties' proposed settlements.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION APPEALS BOARDGuadalupe RamirezJuan Jeno'vebo GarciaRafael Tapia Jr.Rolando TapiaGuardian ad LitemArgus NewspaperLiberty Mutual Insurance CompanyCompromise and ReleaseFindings of Fact and Order
References
0
Case No. BAK 0144430 ANA 0384706
Regular

JOSE T. BOCANEGRA (DECEASED), VICTORIA VALDEZ IZAZAGA For Herself and as Guardian Ad Litem For JOAQUIN GOMEZ VALDEZ, A Minor, MALAKIAS GOMEZ VALDEZ, A Minor, EMMA GUZMAN For Herself and as Guardian Ad Litem forJASMYNE BOCANEGRA VALLE, A Minor, GABRIELLA BOCANEGRA, A Minor, vs. SUN-GRO COMMODITIES; STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND,

This case involves a deceased worker's dependents claiming serious and willful misconduct by the employer. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted removal and deferred the serious and willful misconduct claim despite the employer's objection. The WCAB found that the issue was not properly noticed for trial and bifurcated it to prevent prejudice and ensure due process for all parties involved.

Serious and willful misconductPetition for removalGuardian Ad LitemIndustrial injuryDeath benefitsMandatory settlement conferencePretrial conference statementBifurcationDue processIrreparable harm
References
0
Case No. ADJ8088868
Regular

DAVID WEDDLE (Deceased),\nDENISE WEDDLE (Guardian Ad Litem) vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONS\nAND REHABILITATION PAROLE, legally\nuninsured; STATE COMPENSATION\nINSURANCE FUND, adjusting agency

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied a Petition for Removal and a Petition for Reconsideration filed by the defendant, State Compensation Insurance Fund. The Board adopted the reasoning of the Workers' Compensation Judge's report supporting the denials. This order pertains to a case involving David Weddle (deceased) and his guardian ad litem, Denise Weddle.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardPetition for ReconsiderationPetition for RemovalDavid Weddle (Deceased)Denise Weddle (Guardian Ad Litem)State of California Corrections and Rehabilitation ParoleState Compensation Insurance Fundlegally uninsuredadjusting agencyworkers' compensation administrative law judge
References
0
Case No. MISSING
Regular Panel Decision

Geddes v. Cessna Aircraft Co.

This Memorandum and Order addresses the proposed distribution of a $1,800,000.00 wrongful death settlement for the estate of Warren H. Geddes, who died in a plane crash. The plaintiffs, including the widow Leticia Geddes and three minor children, presented a distribution plan that substantially increased the widow's share compared to the 'In re Kaiser's Estate' formula. U.S. Magistrate Judge Chrein expressed concerns regarding this proposed allocation and the absence of a guardian ad litem to protect the minor children's interests. Acknowledging criticisms of the Kaiser formula, the court found insufficient justification for such a significant deviation in favor of the spouse. Consequently, the court ordered the appointment of a guardian ad litem due to the inherent conflict of interest and directed the plaintiffs to provide detailed documentation of expenditures made for the children's sole benefit.

Wrongful DeathSettlement DistributionGuardian Ad LitemInfant's InterestsPecuniary LossKaiser FormulaConflict of InterestAttorney FeesWorkers Compensation LienEstate Law
References
14
Case No. ADJ9093456, ADJ9996405, ADJ9996406
Regular
Jan 19, 2023

OTTO STOWE vs. DALLAS COWBOYS, DENVER BRONCOS, LOS ANGELES RAMS, TRAVELERS, CIGA

This case involves an applicant seeking removal of a prior order, arguing prejudice from the denial of his Labor Code section 5500.5 election and refusal to allow evidence regarding a guardian ad litem. The Appeals Board granted removal, finding that the applicant's competency and need for a guardian ad litem must be determined before proceeding. Consequently, the prior order was rescinded, and the case was returned to the trial level for a hearing on the guardian ad litem issue.

Petition for RemovalGuardian ad LitemLabor Code section 5500.5Competency determinationRescinded OrderReturn to Trial LevelIncompetent injured workerWorkers' Compensation Appeals BoardAdministrative law judgePrejudice
References
1
Case No. ADJ8503725
Regular
Jan 09, 2017

DAVID LEZCHUK (Deceased), MELISSA LEZCHUK, Guardian ad Litem for MADISON GRACE LEZCHUK, minor vs. CAL FIRE—DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION, legally uninsured, administered by STATE COMPENSATION INSURANCE FUND

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) dismissed the applicant's untimely petition for reconsideration. The Board also denied the defendant's petition, upholding the finding that Madison Lezchuk, the minor dependent, is entitled to an additional death benefit of $53,000. This additional benefit is to be placed in a trust due to the applicant's spending habits and inability to manage funds, ensuring protection of Madison's future interests. The WCAB affirmed that the "good cause" exception under Labor Code section 4704 allows for such awards despite the applicant's receipt of a CALPERS Special Death Benefit.

CALPERSSpecial Death BenefitLabor Code section 4707Labor Code section 4704good causeminor dependentdeath benefitGuardian ad Litemindustrial injuryWCJ discretion
References
3
Case No. SAC 0191116 SAC 0191126
Regular
Feb 19, 2008

WILLIAM VILLEMAIRE, Deceased, ROBERTA VILLAMAIRE, Widow, Individually and as Guardian ad Litem and Trustee for TIFFANY A. VILLAMAIRE (minor), WILLIAM A. VILLAMAIRE and TRACY A. VILLAMAIRE vs. CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY; TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANY, et. al.

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board remanded the case for further proceedings to determine the decedent's average weekly earnings capacity, considering union contract wage increases foreseeable at the time of injury, to establish the proper death benefit rate for minor children. The Board clarified that accrued death benefits owed to a deceased dependent are payable to surviving dependents, not their estate. The original award was rescinded, returning the matter to the trial level for a new decision consistent with the opinion.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardDeceased EmployeeSurviving WidowGuardian ad LitemTrusteeSurvivor BenefitsCampbell Soup CompanyTravelers Insurance CompanyOpinion and Decision After ReconsiderationAverage Weekly Earnings
References
3
Case No. ADJ7324566
Regular
Apr 09, 2013

BRANDON CLARK DECEASED, JOVELYN CLARK (WIDOW), GUARDIAN AD LITEM FOR JOANNA CLARK (MINOR CHILD), BRITTANY CLARK (MINOR CHILD), BENJAMIN CLARK (MINOR CHILD) vs. SOUTH COAST FRAMING, INC., REDWOOD FIRE AND CASUALTY COMPANY, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESTATE COMPANIES

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration of a death claim where the decedent, Brandon Clark, died from combined toxic effects of sedating drugs. The defense argued that industrially prescribed medications did not significantly contribute to the death, but the Board upheld the finding that the industrially prescribed amitriptyline was a contributing factor. The Board found ample evidence supported industrial causation, rejecting the defense's attempt to limit causation solely to non-industrial medications and their untimely raised claim of intentional overdose.

Death ClaimIndustrial InjuryReconsiderationWidows BenefitsMinor DependentsToxicologyDrug InteractionCausationExpert OpinionMedical Examiner
References
0
Case No. ADJ8608456 MF ADJ8608504 ADJ8523009 ADJ8551858 ADJ8609068
Regular
Oct 07, 2015

HORACIO CABRERA, Deceased MARIBEL BARAJAS, Widow, Guardian Ad Litem for LITZY CABRERA, LESLY CABRERA, MARIA CABRERA AND KASSANDRA CABRERA; BRIANNA CABRERA, for herself and Guardian Ad Litem for STEFANI ARIAS,, ANTONIO SOLARES, MODESTO DOMINGUEZ, JOHNATHAN ALONSO vs. MV CONTRACTING, STAR INSURANCE COMPANY

This case involves a petition for reconsideration by MV Contracting regarding a prior WCJ decision finding industrial injuries and a fatal injury due to a motor vehicle accident. The WCJ excluded the defendant's evidence of a timely denial, presuming the claims compensable and finding the "going and coming rule" inapplicable. The Board affirmed the WCJ's decision, denying the petition for reconsideration. The Board agreed that the employer's submission of a claim form acted as the applicant dependents' agent, satisfying their obligation.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardIndustrial InjuriesMotor Vehicle AccidentFatal Industrial InjuryDependentsPetition for ReconsiderationRulings and Order Admitting EvidenceFindings of FactNotice of DenialPresumed Compensable
References
0
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