Faced with a CT injury claim based on an orthopedic AME report and CIGA’S attempt to shift liability to his legally uninsured client, Robert Diaz de Leon went to trial on the issues of injury AOE/COE as to the applicant and “other insurance” as to CIGA.  At stake was significant exposure: to the applicant for a minimum of 28% permanent disability ($26,212) after multiple shoulder surgeries and continuing/future medical treatment; to CIGA for reimbursement of at least $66,881; and to various lien claimants, including EDD, whose lien was about $12,012.00.

Robert was armed with a PQME report by an orthopedist who found no injury caused by the applicant’s concurrent part-time employment with the client, the applicant’s testimony (from CIGA’s two depositions and the deposition taken by Robert) to the effect that she did not have any injury or problems from her job duties with the client, and legal arguments supporting the position that the client was not “other insurance” for CIGA’s purposes.  The WCJ found that the PQME report was better reasoned and more persuasive than the AME’s report (the applicant and CIGA were the parties to the AME in the three specific injury claims against the other employer).  This medical evidence and the applicant’s trial testimony, which was consistent with her deposition testimony, led to the WCJ’s finding that no CT injury resulted from the applicant’s employment with the client.

A “take nothing” was issued. In addition, the WCJ agreed with Robert’s legal argument that the client did not qualify as “other insurance” and found that the legally uninsured employer was not “other insurance” under Insurance Code sec. 1063.1(c)(9).  Therefore, CIGA was not entitled to shift liability to, or obtain reimbursement from, the client.

Neither the applicant nor CIGA filed a petition for reconsideration.

You can read redacted versions of the Amended Minutes of Hearing and Summary of Evidence and Findings of Fact and Opinion on Decision below.

 

Amended Minutes of Hearing and Summary of Evidence:  Click here

Findings of Fact and Opinion on Decision:  Click here

 

Media Contacts:
Company Name:  Dietz, Gilmor & Chazen, APC
Full Name:  David Jankosky, DGC Client Services (818-654-9911, Ex. 1231)
Email Address:  djankosky@dgcattorneys.com