What the panel ordered
Petition for Reconsideration denied.
Petition for Reconsideration of the Findings and Order with Opinion on Decision issued on January 13, 2026, denied by the WCAB panel decision dated April 27, 2026.
This docket was decided more than once. Shown here is the latest released decision; we also hold February 10, 2025.
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.
Jurisdiction / venueDefendant prevailedneck · back · bilateral feet
The WCAB lacks jurisdiction over the claim because the ADR program holds prima facie jurisdiction and the applicant did not seek review of the ADR closure, thus the WCAB cannot hear the claim except as an appeal from the ADR arbitrator's ruling.
From the decision · page 1Applicant seeks reconsideration or removal of the Findings and Order with Opinion on Decision (F&O) issued on January 13, 2026, wherein the workers' compensation administrative law judge (WCJ) found that (1) while employed as an electrician by Taft Electric Company, per the filed application dated June 16, 2022, applicant claims to have sustained cumulative injury during the period November 12, 2020 through November 12, 2021, to his neck, back, and bilateral feet; (2) the claim was denied by Gallagher Bassett Services, and no benefits have been paid; (3) the NECA/IBEW Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) program on its face is a valid ADR program that has been recognized and repeatedly authorized by the Administrative Director (AD) and holds prima facie jurisdiction over applicant's claim, and applicant has not proven that it fails to meet the requirements of Labor Code section 3201.5(b) or violates his right to a fair hearing.