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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 The WCAB rescinded the decision and returned the case to the trial level, finding the medical opinions of Dr.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. ADJ937954 (POM 0254711)
Regular
Aug 18, 2010

ANGELITA (ANGIE) FERNANDEZ vs. OAK TREE RACING ASSOCIATION, LOS ANGELES TURF CLUB, CADDIE SERVICES, INCORPORATED, CIGA by its servicing agent CAMBRIDGE INTEGRATED SERVICES for LEGION INSURANCE, in liquidation, CRAWFORD & COMPANY on behalf of ZURICH INSURANCE

This case involved an applicant claiming industrial injury to her shoulders and upper extremities. A prior insurer, Legion Insurance, erroneously paid benefits through its administrator, REM, before its insolvency. The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board denied reconsideration of the arbitrator's decision, which held Zurich Insurance (adjusted by Crawford & Company) liable for reimbursement to CIGA. This is because Zurich provided "other insurance" for a portion of the cumulative trauma injury, making it solely responsible for benefits where both an insolvent and solvent insurer would be liable. The Board found CIGA could recover pre-insolvency and mistaken payments, and Zurich's due process claims were unpersuasive.

CIGAZurich InsuranceCrawford & CompanyOak Tree Racing AssociationLegion InsuranceFremont Indemnitycumulative traumainsolvent insurersolvent insurerreimbursement
References
Case No. ADJ700106 (SAL 0075388) ADJ4293270 (SAL 0067937) ADJ3847224 (SAL 0067938) ADJ1646200 (SAL 0011386)
Regular
Sep 01, 2015

WILLIE PEARSON vs. STATE OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, Chamberlain's Children Center, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION, SUPERIOR NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY

In this workers' compensation case, CIGA sought to be relieved of liability for applicant's medical treatment, arguing that the State of California Department of Corrections ("the State") constituted "other insurance." The Appeals Board affirmed the WCJ's decision that the State does not qualify as "other insurance" under Insurance Code section 1063.1(c)(9)(A). Unlike private self-insured employers, the State is not required to obtain workers' compensation insurance or a certificate of self-insurance, and thus does not fall within the statutory definition of an "insurer." The Board further clarified that the State Compensation Insurance Fund's role in claim adjustment services for the State does not make it "other insurance" when the State is not otherwise insured with SCIF.

CIGASupernational Insurance Companylegally uninsuredother insurancecovered claimsInsurance Code Section 1063.1State of California Department of Correctionsreimbursementstipulated awardjoint and several liability
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. 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. ADJ265314 (LAO 0790236)
Regular
May 21, 2009

VICTORIA RODRIGUEZ vs. THIBIANT INTERNATIONAL, INC., FIREMAN'S FUND INSURANCE COMPANY, SELECT PERSONNEL SERVICES, CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCATION, LEGION INSURANCE CO.

This case involves a workers' compensation applicant injured while working for a special employer, Thibiant International, insured by Fireman's Fund. The applicant was hired by a general employer, Select Personnel, whose insurer, Legion Insurance, became insolvent. The California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA) paid benefits but argued its coverage was excluded by Fireman's Fund being "other insurance." The Appeals Board affirmed Fireman's Fund's liability as the special employer's insurer and reversed CIGA's dismissal, finding Fireman's Fund owed CIGA reimbursement for benefits paid. The Board also deemed Fireman's Fund's challenge to the reimbursement amount waived due to failure to raise it at trial.

Workers' Compensation Appeals BoardVictoria RodriguezThibiant InternationalInc.Fireman's Fund Insurance CompanySelect Personnel ServicesCalifornia Insurance Guarantee AssociationCIGALegion Insurance Companyliquidation
References
Case No. ADJ2480026
Regular
Aug 26, 2011

CHAD IMES vs. SCENARIO DESIGNS, INC., EVEREST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY, POWER PAYROLL, INC., CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION for LEGION INSURANCE COMPANY

The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board reversed a prior ruling and ordered Everest National Insurance Company to reimburse CIGA for benefits paid to the applicant. The Board found that Everest was "other insurance" available under Insurance Code section 1063.1(c)(9) because its insured, Scenario Designs, Inc., employed the applicant on the date of injury. This decision clarifies that reimbursement to CIGA does not alter the original award and aligns with statutory limitations on CIGA's liability. Everest is now obligated to reimburse CIGA and administer future benefits.

CIGAEverest National Insurance CompanyLegion Insurance CompanyScenario DesignsPower PayrollInc.other insurancereimbursementdate of injurygeneral-special employment
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. ADJ3672958 (ANA 0348289)
Regular
Aug 08, 2011

JUAN FLORES vs. KENDALL MCGAW LABORATORIES, REMEDY TEMP, INC., CALIFORNIA INSURANCE GUARANTEE ASSOCIATION, INTERCARE INSURANCE, For RELIANCE INSURANCE COMPANY, In Liquidation

The WCAB rescinded the dismissal of Braun Medical and St. Paul, returning the case for further proceedings. CIGA, responsible for benefits from the insolvent Reliance, sought reimbursement from St. Paul, Braun Medical's insurer, alleging St. Paul's coverage constituted "other insurance." The WCAB found the previous dismissal lacked a clear basis and adequate record, necessitating a new decision by the WCJ after proper stipulation and evidentiary presentation. The decision emphasizes the importance of a complete record for review.

CIGAReliance Insurance CompanyIntercare InsuranceBraun MedicalSt. Pauljoinderreimbursementother insuranceinsolvent insurerspecial employer
References
Case No. POM 248928
Significant
Mar 28, 2003

Mark Miceli, et al. vs. Jacuzzi, Inc., Remedy Temp, Inc., American Home Assurance Co., Reliance National Indemnity Co. (In Liquidation), California Insurance Guarantee Association

The Appeals Board affirmed that when a temporary staffing agency's insurer becomes insolvent, the special employer's insurance policy constitutes 'other insurance,' making that insurer liable for the injured temporary employee's claim and relieving the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA) of responsibility.

Workers Compensation Appeals BoardEn BancGeneral EmployerSpecial EmployerTemporary Staffing AgencyAlternate Employer EndorsementInsolvencyCalifornia Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA)Covered ClaimOther Insurance
References
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