Workers’ Compensation

Congratulations to our 2024 awards recipients! Read more

This annual favorite will be presented by Judge James Finete who will bring a detailed analysis of the hottest cases that will affect the way you practice. Read more

Don’t forget about the $50,000 penalty! Wait what? That’s a thing? Yes! This penalty went into effect 1/1/2023, but is still poorly understood by most workers’ compensation professionals. Read more

In this program, we will provide you with valuable insights and knowledge on various practical aspects of workers' compensation, with a special focus on understanding the process from a judge's perspective.  Gain insights on navigating EAMS, getting your settlements approved, and adapting to the hybrid world of workers' compensation.  Join us to enhance your expertise in workers' compensation in the company of your peers! Read more

February 2024 CLA Workers’ Compensation Executive Committee Chairman and Master of Ceremonies for the Annual Awards Reception, John Parente, welcomes the honorees and guests and introduces incoming Chairwoman, the Honorable Presiding Judge Sharon Velzy, along with CLA WC Section Manager Tiffany Creswell, presenting the awards to the honorees. Presiding Judge Robert T. Hjelle is recognized for his distinguished career of public service to his nation and the California Judiciary as the CLA WC Section’s Judge of the Year.  Saro Kerkonian,… Read more

“It is appropriate that evaluating physicians consider the vocational evidence as part of their determination of permanent disability, including factors such as whether an injured worker is feasible for vocational rehabilitation (Ogilvie, supra). We note that neither AME was provided the reports from the parties' vocational experts to review.” (emphasis supplied) Read more

At the California legislature in 2023, who were winners and who were losers? Before the year fades, a recap is in order. Overall, it was not a year for big workers’ comp bills. The workers’ comp bills that passed and were signed are largely niche bills. For non-workers’ comp bill affecting California workers, union-sponsored bills had some notable success but some bills failed as well. Workers’ comp winners this year included the following: Read more

Interpreters play a prominent role in the multi-lingual realm of the California workers’ compensation system, and determining the rate of compensation for interpreting services remains a highly litigated issue. Read more

Judge Frank Hsu Yen has logged almost two years as a Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ) for the Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) in Pomona.  Prior to his appointment, Judge Yen was a staff attorney for State Compensation Insurance Fund in Pleasanton for eight years where he made appearances at DWC Oakland.  When Judge Yen was ready for a career change, he made the decision to return to Southern California after spending over a decade in the Bay Area.  Read more

It is with a sense of deep appreciation and thanks to my colleagues on the California Lawyers Association Workers’ Compensation Executive Committee that I begin my new role as the Chairwoman of this esteemed organization.  Celebrating my sixth year on the Committee, I revel at the tireless efforts of each of our executive committee members and advisers who, day in and day out, volunteer their valuable time to promote the education of the bar and advance the cause of professionalism and civility for the California workers’ compensation bar.  Read more