California Workers Compensation Law

California's injured workers have cause to rejoice. Attorney John A. Mendoza has won a case before the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) Reconsideration Unit, defeating one of the more restrictive tactics of the insurance companies that have attempted to thwart your right to treat with a doctor of your choice. The WCAB Reconsideration Unit has affirmed that injured California workers are allowed to treat with physicians of their choice instead of being forced to treat with the insurance company's Medical Provider Network.

"The impact of this decision is significant. The most troubling segment of the reform legislation is how insurance companies have used it to try to strip the injured worker of the ability to obtain evidence by a physician of his own choosing. Today's decision affirms that injured workers may obtain treatment at their own expense. California law provides that the reports of treating physicians are admissible before the WCAB.
~ John A. Mendoza

This decision makes it clear: injured workers can not be forced to treat with the insurance company's doctor. Are you an injured California worker who has questions about the ramifications of the recent decision in the Chavez v. Brinks, Inc. case? If so, please call us at 1-800-370-HURT (4878). We'll answer any questions you may have.

See the decisions, briefs, and reports of the Jesse Chavez V. Brinks, Inc. case.