What the panel ordered
Petition for Removal denied; Findings and Order issued by WCJ on June 14, 2021 affirmed
Petition for Removal filed by defendant to challenge order for additional QME panels; treated as hybrid Petition for Reconsideration and Petition for Removal; WCJ Findings and Order affirmed after reconsideration
What was disputed, and how it came out
Each issue the panel decided, with the reasoning it gave. An outcome is what this panel did on this record — not a rule, and not a prediction.
QME/AME processDefendant prevailedright shoulder · right elbow · right knee · right hand · eye · neck · hearing · excretory · dizziness · gastrointestinal · constipation · sleep disorder · high blood pressure · exposure · tactile feel
The court found good cause for additional QME panels in Internal Medicine, Psychology, and ENT specialties because the existing orthopedic QME report did not cover non-orthopedic issues, and the additional panels were necessary to resolve disputed medical issues expeditiously and justly.
From the decision · page 3Petitioner, USA Waste of California, Inc., insured by ACE American Insurance, administered by Gallagher Bassett Services, has filed a timely & verified Petition for Removal, contending this Court should not have Ordered additional QME panels in the fields of Internal Medicine, Psychology, and ENT.