Latest in Employment Law & Workers Comp

What’s Happening in Employment Law

Pandemic Emergency Has Ended but Employers Must Stay Vigilant

Although the COVID-19 state of emergency has ended, California employers cannot go back to business as usual. Companies must have containment programs in place to reduce the risk of outbreaks. Read Corinne Spencer’s interview with TLNT on ways employers can implement policies to ensure safety.

Navigating Pay Data Reporting and Pay Transparency Laws

California’s new pay data reporting and pay transparency law could prove to be a burden on employers. Read Jonathan Brown’s HR Daily Advisor article to learn what employers need to know about the law’s requirements, possible benefits and drawbacks.

9th Circuit Decision on Arbitration Agreements Reduces Threat of Runaway Verdicts
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision that California businesses can require workers to sign mandatory arbitration agreements also eliminated some of the threat of runaway verdicts. Learn more about the implications for businesses in Corinne Spencer’s interviews with Orange County Register, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News.

In Case You Missed It: Webinar on Apportionment Issues

Apportionment expert and retired Workers’ Compensation Judge Raymond Correio and Partner Yvonne Lang provided in-depth insight into evolving trends in apportionment of permanent disability in their April webinar. They discussed the legal standards surrounding apportionment, how apportionment is determined and current developments in this area that affect employers. For a recording of the webinar, email Yvonne Lang at yl@4pbw.com.

Injured Worker Not Awarded Psyche Impairment Since Injury Not Catastrophic
In Schaan v. Jerry Thompson & Sons; Liberty Mutual, a painter claimed his injuries resulted in 100% permanent and total disability, inclusive of psyche impairment, as a result of catastrophic injury. The WCAB affirmed the Trial Judge’s decision that applicant was not 100% disabled and his injury did not constitute a catastrophic injury under Wilson and Labor Code Section 4660.1(c)(2)(B). Read Ani Baghdassarian’s article and Learn more here.

Injured Worker Granted Right to Self-Administer Medicare Set-Aside After Case Initially Settled with Professional Administration of Medicare Set-Aside
In Villalpando v. Doherty Brothers, applicant’s case settled via Compromise and Release with professional administration of the Medicare Set-Aside. Subsequently, applicant decided to move to Mexico and requested to change administration of his Medicare Set-Aside. In overturning the Trial Judge’s decision, the WCAB opined the Board has jurisdiction to change administrators and awarded applicant the right to self-administer his Medicare Set-Aside. Read Ani Baghdassarian’s article and learn the details here.

PB&W Inside News

David Downing and Corinne Spencer Promoted to Partner
Effective April 2023, David Downing and Corinne Spencer were promoted to non-equity partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office. They were featured in San Fernando Valley Business Journal and Daily Journal. Read more.

Attorneys Celebrate Work Anniversaries
Dean Brown, Gelareh Fassazadeh, Noel Olins, Ada Rodriguez and Meline Sirounian recently celebrated milestone work anniversaries. The five attorneys were recognized for their commitment to the firm and clients at a dinner at Drago Centro in downtown L.A. in April.

Giving Back to Our Communities

PB&W Supported Mercy House Gala & Fundraiser to Fight Homelessness
PB&W attended Mercy House’s annual Living With Heart Gala & Fundraiser, which raises funds to provide shelter, housing and support to those in need. The May 13 event was held at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach. Read about it here.

PB&W Participated in Earth Day Cleanup
PB&W took part in park cleanups in Los Angeles and San Diego on Earth Day.