Workers’ Compensation

As promised last month, this month we are highlighting the Publications Subcommittee of the Executive Committee of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the California Lawyers Association (CLA). The Chair of this subcommittee is Jack Goodchild and below please find what Jack had to say about his subcommittee: Read more

By Barry Lesch The First District Court of Appeal gave employers and carriers an unexpected Christmas present a few days early with its published opinion in City of Petaluma v. WCAB (Lindh), No. A153811, which issued on December 10, 2018.  The case reinforces and reinvigorates the notion that legally valid apportionment can come from underlying pathology or an asymptomatic pre-existing condition or disease. Though SB 899 was supposed to create a sea change in how the compensation system worked for… Read more

Workers’ Compensation Boot Camp is a comprehensive review of workers’ compensation law designed to prepare you for the 2019 workers’ compensation specialist examination. The program is tailored to help future specialists spot and analyze workers’ compensation issues that you need to know. Boot Camp is also a must have program for those who are just starting out in workers’ compensation. In two days you will receive a comprehensive review of workers’ compensation law. Read more

Workers’ Compensation Boot Camp is a comprehensive review of workers’ compensation law designed to prepare you for the 2019 workers’ compensation specialist examination. The program is tailored to help future specialists spot and analyze workers’ compensation issues that you need to know. Boot Camp is also a must have program for those who are just starting out in workers’ compensation. In two days you will receive a comprehensive review of workers’ compensation law. Read more

How has the law been developing on the “violent act” exception to California Labor Code 4660.1(c)(1)?
Labor Code 4660.1(c)(1) is the section of the 2012 comp reforms which for post 1/1/2013 dates of injury prohibits increased PD ratings for sleep dysfunction, sexual dysfunction or psychiatric disorder arising out of compensable physical injury. The section does not apply to “direct injuries” (as opposed to compensable consequence injury) and does not prohibit PD awards in so called mental-mental injuries. Read more

As promised, my eNews April Message from the Chair is devoted to highlighting the Awards and Recognition Subcommittee of the Executive Committee of the Workers’ Compensation Section of the California Lawyers Association (CLA).  One of our nine subcommittees. Erin Wintersteen is the Chair of this subcommittee.  I was delighted Erin said yes when I asked her to Chair this subcommittee.  I knew she would be perfect.  Below please find Erin’s summary of what this subcommittee is all about. “My name… Read more

Join us for a day of inspirational presentations and beef up your strategies for litigating a Worker’s Compensation case. WCAB commissioner Razo will regale us all with tales of life in the Reconsideration Unit. He will also provide invaluable tips for bulletproofing your petition for reconsideration. Come learn about applying for Subsequent Injuries Benefit Trust Fund Benefits, an often overlooked benefit for the applicant. This dynamic presentation will be given by Ann Wu from DIR. And don’t miss the ever… Read more

Join us for a day of inspirational presentations and beef up your strategies for litigating a Worker’s Compensation case. WCAB commissioner Razo will regale us all with tales of life in the Reconsideration Unit.  He will also provide invaluable tips for bulletproofing your petition for reconsideration.  Come learn about applying for Subsequent Injuries Benefit Trust Fund Benefits, an often overlooked benefit for the applicant.  This dynamic presentation will be given by Ann Wu from DIR.  And don’t miss the ever entertaining… Read more

Earn 6 Hours of participatory MCLE and Legal Specialization Credit Saturday, April 6, 2019 Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites 404 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90071 Saturday, May 4, 2019 Walnut Creek Marriott 2355 N. Main Street Walnut Creek, CA 94596 More Links: Brochure | Registration Form  8:30 am – 9:30 am | Life Post Fitzpatrick, Hikida, Rice and Lindh Apportionment has been one of the most litigated recent issues in the workers’ comp world, with the ever erudite District Courts of Appeal… Read more

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation has now announced free online access to medical evidence-based treatment guidelines (MTUS) for medical providers (see link to the press release below). Read more