April 28, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — MedLegalNews.com – A California appeals court has reversed a previous FEHA claim dismissal under the state’s anti-SLAPP statute, allowing the plaintiff’s retaliation lawsuit to proceed The case stems from a workplace retaliation lawsuit. Initially, the trial court granted a special motion to strike under the Strategic Lawsuit […]
Appeals Court Revives FEHA Claim Dismissed Under SLAPP Law Read Post »
April 28, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — California insurance fraud case leads to major sentencing in Sacramento: On April 23, 2025, Martha Toro, owner of MT Janitorial Services, pled no contest to felony charges of insurance fraud and tax evasion. The Honorable David Bonilla sentenced her to 270 days in county jail and
California Janitorial Services Owner Sentenced for Insurance Fraud, Tax Evasion Read Post »
April 25, 2025 | Oakland, CA– MedLegalNews.com — DWC pharmacy fee calculator testing is now underway in California as the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) releases its new tool to preview how future pharmacy reimbursements will be calculated. Launched on April 25, 2025, the calculator is part of DWC’s broader effort to streamline billing accuracy,
DWC Launches Pharmacy Fee Calculator for Public Testing Read Post »
April 25, 2025 | Oakland, CA — MedLegalNews.com — SIBTF reform is at the forefront of California’s legislative efforts as the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) announce Casey Gallagher’s appointment to the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (IACA). Gallagher, who will serve as an Employee Representative, brings over
Casey Gallagher Appointed to California’s Interagency Apprenticeship Committee Read Post »
April 24, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — The California Assembly Insurance Committee advanced two bills this week that could significantly impact the administration of workers’ compensation claims: AB 1329, which reforms the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF), and AB 1870, which modifies the Independent Bill Review (IBR) process for medical billing disputes.
Insurance Committee Passes SIBTF, IBR Bills Read Post »
April 23, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — California lawmakers are advancing Assembly Bill 1329 (Ortega) to confront the mounting challenges facing the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF). With costs skyrocketing and inconsistent standards driving litigation, the bill aims to strengthen oversight, tighten eligibility rules, and ensure the Fund’s future viability. Why SIBTF
AB 1329: California Moves to Reform SIBTF and Curb Soaring Workers’ Comp Costs Read Post »
April 23, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — Lawmaker Amends Bill: California Assemblymember Liz Ortega has amended AB 1329 to restrict when public employers can recover workers’ compensation costs in lawsuits brought by first responders. Under the proposed changes, cities, counties, and other public employers would lose their subrogation rights if a first responder’s
Lawmaker Amends Bill to Limit Subrogation Rights of First Responders’ Employers Read Post »
April 22, 2025 | Oakland, CA – MedLegalNews.com — Workers compensation rates in California are set to rise, as the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) Governing Committee authorized the September 1, 2025, Pure Premium Rate Filing to the California Insurance Commissioner. The increase is based on insurer losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred during
CA WCIRB Announces September 2025 Pure Premium Rate Filing Read Post »
April 21, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com – Employers Hold the Wheel: Distracted driving remains a leading cause of workplace injuries, legal claims, and costly vehicle accidents. Yet according to a new on-demand webinar from Sentry Insurance, many employers overlook their role in creating a safer driving culture. The session, titled “Focused Driving Awareness:
Employers Hold the Wheel: New Webinar Urges Shift from Distracted to Focused Driving Read Post »
April 15, 2025 | California, CA — MedLegalNews.com – CWCI Reports: The number of Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) in California’s workers’ compensation system increased by 16% in 2023, according to a new report released by the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI). At the same time, requests for QME panels surged by 17%, highlighting continued demand
CWCI Reports 16% Increase in QMEs, 17% Jump in Panel Requests Read Post »
