What the panel ordered
July 29, 2024 Findings and Order rescinded; matter returned to trial level for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Petition for reconsideration of the July 29, 2024 Findings and Order granted; matter returned to WCJ for further proceedings.
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.
The WCAB found that the lien claimant met the burden to show a contested claim existed and that the medical-legal report by Dr. Haghighinia was relevant to proving the cumulative injury claim. The WCAB also found that the issue of whether the medical-legal expenses and treatment were reasonable and necessary must be considered by the WCJ in the first instance. The WCAB granted reconsideration and remanded the matter for further proceedings.
From the decision · page 5On December 8, 2022, Medland Medical filed a lien on behalf of Dr. Haghighinia. On July 11, 2024, lien claimant and defendant proceeded to trial. The issues in dispute were: 1. Parts of the body injured: Lumbar spine, neck, left wrist, left hand, left knee, left index and middle fingers;