Applicant Credibility in California Workers’ Compensation Cases

Applicant credibility plays a crucial role in both the success of a Workers’ Compensation claim and the Qualified Medical Evaluator’s (QME) ability to provide an accurate, well-supported medical opinion. A truthful and consistent narrative allows the QME to conduct a thorough and impartial evaluation, ensuring reliable conclusions. Industrial causation depends on a credible applicant, a […]

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DIR Announces 2025 California Workers Compensation User Funding Assessment Rates

Oakland, CA – The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has issued the 2025 assessments that workers’ compensation insurers must collect from policyholders. These funds will cover the budget for the state Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) and five related programs established by state lawmakers. Insurers must apply the following rates to their policyholders’ estimated

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The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) Classification and Rating Committee

The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) virtually held its Classification and Rating Committee meeting on November 12, 2024, at 9:30 AM. This meeting focused on key workers’ compensation system areas, offering updates and discussions critical to the industry’s ongoing development. Payroll Limitations and Risk Assessment in Workers’ Compensation The committee began by reviewing Payroll Limitations, which

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Convicted Fraudster, David Fish

Convicted Fraudster Accused of $100 Million Workers’ Comp Scheme

Convicted Fraudster Accused in $100M Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme A convicted fraudster with a history of workers’ compensation crimes is at the center of a new case involving nearly $100 million in fraudulent claims. Details of the Alleged Scheme After a three-year investigation, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that David Fish,

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Wal-Mart Ordered to Pay $34.7 Million to Former Driver for Defamation

$34.7 Million Verdict Sends Strong Message to Employers A California jury has ruled against Wal-Mart in a high-profile defamation case, ordering the retail giant to pay $34.7 million to Jesus Fonseca, a former truck driver, for damaging his reputation with false accusations of workers’ compensation fraud. The verdict, delivered over two days on November 19

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Steve Hoddinott, et al. vs. Bravo Security Services, Inc., National Liability Fire Insurance Co., administered by biBERK Business Insurance, et al.

The case Steve Hoddinott, et al. vs. Bravo Security Services, Inc., National Liability Fire Insurance Co., administered by biBERK Business Insurance, et al., was adjudicated by the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). This matter was part of a broader series of workers’ compensation cases, consolidated due to overlapping legal questions and procedural disputes. Key

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Steve Hoddinott, et al. vs. Bravo Security Services, Inc., National Liability Fire Insurance Co., administered by biBERK Business Insurance, et al. Read Post »

California Labor Commissioner’s Office Recovers Nearly $1 Million in Unpaid Wages for Bakery Workers

Sacramento, CA – In a major win for labor rights, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (LCO) secured $942,604 in settlements to pay back wages to 187 former employees of Baked in the Sun, a Vista-based bakery that abruptly closed, leaving workers unpaid. Each worker will now receive over $3 for every $1 originally owed, a

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Cal/OSHA Introduces New Translation App to Enhance Communication with Workers Across California

Pilot Program by Cal/OSHA to Enhance Workplace Safety and Inclusivity Cal/OSHA Launches New Translation App to Break Down Language Barriers Sacramento, CA—To improve worker safety and bridge communication barriers, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has introduced an advanced translation app in a pilot program. Developed by TranslateLive, this tool enables Cal/OSHA

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California workers' compensation claims

Fewer Claims, Higher Losses for CA Workers’ Comp Self-Insureds

Oakland, CA – Private self-insured claim volume in the California workers’ compensation claims system fell 9.5% in 2023, producing the biggest year-to-year decline in private self-insured claim frequency in more than 15 years, but double-digit increases in the average amounts paid and incurred on these claims drove total paid and incurred losses for private self-insured

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Check out our blog about Are Migraine Drugs Becoming a New WC Cost Driver?

Are Migraine Drugs Becoming a New WC Cost Driver?

Oakland, CA – Migraine Drugs represented less than 1% of all prescriptions dispensed to California injured workers in 2023 but they consumed 4.7% of workers’ compensation drug payments, a nearly 8-fold increase since 2018, which a California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) study links to the emergence of several high-cost brand drugs that are not listed

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