What the panel ordered
Petition for removal granted; WCJ order setting MSC on all issues rescinded; case returned to WCJ for bifurcated trial on jurisdictional issues.
Defendant petitioned for removal of the WCJ order setting the matter for Mandatory Settlement Conference on all issues, seeking bifurcation of jurisdictional issues for trial.
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.
Good cause found to bifurcate jurisdictional issues to expedite resolution and avoid unnecessary litigation costs.
From the decision · page 3While the parties to a matter are generally expected to "submit for decision all matters properly in issue at a single trial," the WCJ may also order that the issues in a case be "bifurcated and tried separately upon a showing of good cause." (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, § 10787(a).)
The facts that decided it
What the panel treated as outcome-determinative, and which side it favoured.
Defendant specially appeared to contest jurisdiction and requested bifurcated trial on jurisdictional issues.