Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC, is proud to announce the promotion of Su Lai to firm Partner.

Long Beach, CA – 08/03/2021– Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC, a California statewide law firm practicing exclusively in workers’ compensation defense, Labor Code §132a, and serious and willful misconduct claims, promotes Su Lai, Esq. to firm Partner.

Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen is honored to have Su Lai continue her duties with the firm as its newest Partner. Su has shown exceptional leadership in managing firm associates and developing new client relationships as managing attorney for the Long Beach office.

Managing Partner Mark Gilmor, speaking also on behalf of colleague Avery Chazen, said “Our firm is pleased to share this news and recognize Su Lai. Su is a superb workers’ compensation defense litigator for clients and a first-class managing attorney. We are very happy she is now a firm Partner.”

Su Lai is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization Workers’ Compensation Law

About Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC

DGC was established in 1997 and has now grown to eight California Offices, with 41 attorneys, providing defense for insurance carriers, brokers, third-party administrators, private and public employers, and large self-insured groups. The firm’s guiding principles are based on providing exceptional customer service and legal representation. DGC provides the expertise needed to reduce claim costs and achieve prompt case resolution. Please visit the firm’s website for more information at https://dgcattorneys.com

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Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com

Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC, is proud to announce the promotion of Jonathan M. Freeman to firm Partner.

San Francisco, CA – 07/19/2021– Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC, a California statewide law firm practicing exclusively in workers’ compensation defense, subrogation, asbestos, Labor Code §132a, and serious and willful misconduct claims, promotes Jonathan M. Freeman, Esq. to Partner.

Joining Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen in 2015 as an experienced workers’ compensation defense litigator, Mr. Freeman became managing attorney in 2016 and has since provided skilled leadership and unparalleled legal expertise in all areas of workers’ compensation defense for the firm and its clients.

Managing Partner Avery Chazen, speaking also on behalf of colleague Mark Gilmor, said “Jonathan’s litigation achievements for clients and mentoring of associates for the firm have combined to advance workers’ compensation defense throughout Northern California. Many people in the industry will recognize and celebrate Jonathan’s partnership.”

About Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC

DGC was established in 1997 and has now grown to eight California Offices, with 41 attorneys, providing defense for insurance carriers, brokers, third-party administrators, private and public employers, and large self-insured groups. The firm’s guiding principles are based on providing exceptional customer service and legal representation. DGC provides the expertise needed to reduce claim costs and achieve prompt case resolution. Please visit the firm’s website for more information at https://dgcattorneys.com

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Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com

Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, a statewide California workers’ compensation defense firm, announces the retirement of William K. Dietz, Esq.

William K. Dietz is retiring after four decades of legal practice in the state of California. During his long career, he has earned recognition as an expert in the field of workers’ compensation while maintaining his reputation for integrity and fairness among his peers, employees, and clients.

Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen began as Dietz, Gilmor & Associates in 1997 as a small, one-office firm. Mr. Dietz has been integral to the expansion of the firm, which currently has eight offices and over 40 attorneys. He attributes the firm’s expansion and success to the collective effort of partners, attorneys, and all of the employees who demonstrate great attitudes and professionalism in their work.

It is with pride in the firm and confidence in its continued success that he leaves the firm’s future in the hands of partners Mark Gilmor and Avery Chazen.

In retirement, Bill and his wife, Sherry, plan to travel, spend time with their family, enjoy the beach and life in general.

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Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com

This matter was referred to Chris Vincent on February 11, 2021 with instruction to draft a C&R for $20,000.00 to secure the unrepresented injured worker’s agreement so that an Order Approving could be attained. The facts were not run-of-the-mill.

The claimant, a restaurant worker, had a history of grand mal seizures since age 15 and would typically experience one every two to three months. While working on March 4, 2019, he did have such a seizure, causing him to fall to the ground, hitting his head and losing consciousness. He was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a skull fracture, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and subdural hematoma.

Fortunately, the claimant made a substantial recovery, although he continued to experience headaches, fatigue, nervousness, moments of depression, trouble processing stimuli, and difficulty with short-term memory. He was temporarily totally disabled for about six and a half months, then gradually returned to part-time and eventually full-time work. He later voluntarily separated from his employment.

On June 17, 2020, he was evaluated by a panel QME neurologist, who assessed 8% WPI based on benign forgetfulness. Any psychological factors were deferred to the appropriate specialist. The claimant did not request a second QME panel. The PD rating was 11%.

Chris opted for a low-pressure approach, with telephone communication and occasional follow-up emails, building rapport and allowing the claimant time to review the settlement documents and consider options. Chris promptly and thoughtfully answered a number of the claimant’s questions regarding the proposed settlement. In turn, the claimant agreed to, signed, and returned the C&R to Chris in decidedly quick fashion. An Order Approving was issued on March 16, 2021.

This claim had a high risk of multiple additional QME panels and a substantially higher settlement if it became litigated. Based on the communication with the claimant, he appeared to be a sophisticated individual who nonetheless could have chosen to retain counsel. However, it is most likely that the claims examiner’s and Chris’ cordial, low-key approach played a large role in this pro per claimant’s decision to settle.

You can read redacted versions of the Compromise and Release and Order Approving Compromise and Release below.

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Compromise and Release: Click here

Order Approving Compromise and Release: Click here

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Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com

Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen is pleased to announce the appointment of Attorney Jason L. Buscaino as a workers’ compensation judge for the DWC district office in San Bernardino.  Our firm is grateful to Jason for the leadership and integrity he has exhibited both in his relationships within the firm and in his successful representation of our clients.

Jason has been a skillful defense litigator for DGC clients, utilizing his extensive legal knowledge and excellent communication skills.  He has earned the respect of claims examiners, employers, and brokers for his ability to settle complex claims while considering the interests of everyone involved.

Jason is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, and the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento.  He had gained experience working in civil matters and in the representation of applicants before joining DGC.  Partner Mark Gilmor praised Jason’s achievements saying, “It makes perfect sense that the State would seek to have on the bench a person with Jason’s character, ethical standards, legal knowledge, and varied experience.”

Jason will begin his position with the State of California later in January 2021.

On behalf of our entire DGC family, thank you, Jason.  We wish you all the best in your new endeavor.  We will miss you at DGC.

Sincerely,

Bill Dietz, Mark Gilmor, and Avery Chazen

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Company Name: Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name: David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (213-278-1513)
Email Address: djankosky@dgcattorneys.com