Accident at Work? Case Law You Should Know About

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work in California, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

But you may encounter some resistance as you try to get your hands on those benefits. 

From hesitant employers to manipulative insurance companies, California’s injured workers often find themselves fighting way harder than they expected to for the benefits they are legally entitled to.

That sends many into “research mode” — in which they look at relevant case law to see what they should expect from a potential court case.

If that’s you, we’ve saved you some trouble. Koh Legal Group has compiled this list of legal cases relevant to California workers who have been injured in an accident at work. Keep reading, or, if you need legal help, reach out to our team.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of cases relevant to California workers’ compensation. But it is a good starting point if you’re interested in reviewing relevant case law after an accident at work in California.

Below, you’ll find four notable California workers’ comp cases. The first one is a particularly notable case from years ago, and the other three are recent notable decisions. 

As you read, keep in mind that previous cases only give an idea of what might happen with a future case. They are not a guarantee of future results. If you have questions, speak with an attorney.

This case addresses the issue of whether an injured worker is entitled to temporary disability benefits if the employer disputes the injury’s work-relatedness. It highlights the burden of proof and the standards for determining eligibility for benefits.

In this case, a worker injured on the job sought temporary disability benefits. The employer contested the claim, arguing that the injury wasn’t work-related. The court ruled that the worker should still receive benefits while the dispute about the injury’s work-relatedness was being resolved — despite the claim now being past the one-year statute of limitations.

If you’re injured at work and your employer disputes whether your injury is job-related, you may still be entitled to temporary disability benefits while the claim is being investigated. In other words, that may mean you can receive financial support during your recovery, even if there’s an argument about the cause of your injury.

This case addresses how the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board handles cases where a petition for reconsideration is filed on time, but the board does not receive the case in time. It clarifies the board’s approach to these situations and reaffirms its adherence to past legal precedents.

On March 27, 2024, the Appeals Board reviewed the case of Sandra Ja’Chim Scheuing against Livermore National Laboratory. The key issue was how the board should deal with petitions for reconsideration that are filed within the allowed time but are not received by the board in time. The board clarified that it will continue to follow its previous decision in Shipley v. Workers’ Comp. Appeals Bd., which provides guidance on this matter.

If you file a petition for reconsideration with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, it’s crucial that it reaches the board within the required time frame. The board’s ruling in this case confirms that even if you file on time, delays in the board receiving your petition could affect the process. Understanding this can help you ensure that your petitions are submitted and received promptly to avoid complications.

This case examines whether remote hearings during the Covid-19 pandemic were conducted appropriately, specifically in terms of ensuring fair due process for the applicant.

On January 12, 2021, the Appeals Board reviewed the case of Limin Gao against Chevron Corporation. The board found that the applicant’s right to a fair hearing was violated because a continuance for in-person testimony was granted without giving the applicant a chance to voice their concerns. 

The board decided to send the case back to the trial level for further proceedings and issued guidance that, following Executive Order N-63-20, remote trials should generally proceed unless there are specific reasons that require an in-person hearing.

If your workers’ compensation case is being handled remotely, it’s important to know that the process should still ensure fair treatment. This case highlights that remote hearings are generally acceptable, but if you believe that an in-person hearing is necessary for a fair trial, you should make your concerns known. 

The Appeals Board’s guidance suggests that remote hearings are appropriate unless there is a clear need for a different approach based on the specifics of your case.

This case addresses whether Saturdays count as “working days” for the purposes of making Utilization Review (UR) decisions under California’s Labor Code.

On September 11, 2019, the Appeals Board issued a decision clarifying that Saturdays are not considered “working days” when calculating deadlines under Labor Code section 4610(i)(1). This section requires that UR decisions for medical treatment requests be made within five “working days.” 

The board concluded that “working day” does not include Saturdays based on common usage and legal interpretations. 

When waiting for a decision on your medical treatment request, keep in mind that Saturdays are likely not counted as working days for these deadlines. 

This means that the five-day period might exclude Saturdays, giving you additional time for a response. Additionally, if a deadline happens to fall on a Saturday, it may be extended, so your decision should still be on time. 

Speak with your lawyer about the specific deadlines in your case.

Attorneys are all about case law, but it can be helpful to injured workers, too. Here’s why:

Case law helps clarify how legal standards are applied in real-world scenarios. For instance, case decisions provide detailed interpretations of laws regarding the eligibility for benefits, the calculation of disability, and the procedures for filing claims. 

Understanding these standards can help you better navigate your claim and understand your rights.

Legal precedents set by case law influence how similar cases are judged. By reviewing past cases, you can gain insights into how your situation might be evaluated based on previous rulings. 

Case law often addresses common issues and disputes in workers’ compensation claims, such as disputes over the work-relatedness of an injury, the extent of permanent disability, or the adequacy of medical treatment. 

Injured workers like you can learn from these cases about potential challenges they might face and how to address them effectively.

Decisions in workers’ compensation cases can provide guidance on procedural aspects, such as the burden of proof, the importance of medical documentation, and the proper way to present evidence. 

Understanding these procedural elements can help you ensure your claims are processed correctly and efficiently.

Case law often highlights the rights and protections afforded to injured workers under California law. For example, cases that address retaliation or wrongful termination help workers understand their protections against discrimination for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Significant cases can influence changes in workers’ compensation laws and policies. Keeping up with relevant case law helps workers stay informed about evolving legal standards and how they might impact their claims.

Case law offers real-world examples of how the law is applied, providing injured workers with a clearer picture of what to expect in their own cases. These examples can illustrate the practical application of legal principles and the potential outcomes of similar claims.

Knowledge of relevant case law empowers injured workers to make informed decisions about their claims. It can help them understand their legal options, anticipate potential challenges, and collaborate more effectively with their attorneys.

Case law can be a great starting point after an accident at work, but it only gives you knowledge. An attorney, however, gives you guidance and a tireless ally who will fight for you until the very end of your case.

That’s a pretty big difference. And it’s why so many people in your situation team up with an experienced workers’ comp attorney like Koh Legal Group.

Ready to fight for the workers’ compensation benefits you’re owed? Contact Koh Legal Group. Call us at 213-232-2725 or contact us online.