Legal Updates & Insights

New Standards for Employers

With the California Legislature’s 2025 session concluded, businesses must now navigate a complex series of new employment laws and standards set to take effect in 2026. These updates—ranging from mandatory “Know Your Rights” notices to expanded wage claim timelines—require proactive policy adjustments to mitigate the risk of increased litigation.

[Read our guide] and schedule a consultation with our Employment Law team to discuss how the changes will impact your business this year.

Patterson Overturned: Rodriguez Returns Control to Utilization Review

In a landmark decision Illinois Midwest Insurance Agency LLC v. WCAB (Rodriguez), the Court of Appeal officially overturned the Patterson doctrine for post-2013 injuries, restoring authority to the Utilization Review (UR) process. All disputes over medical necessity must now be handled through UR and Independent Medical Review (IMR). On 1/21/26, the Supreme Court granted a petition for review. A stay did not issue and “…[p]ending review…115 Cal.App.5th 1168 may be cited…”

[Click here] to learn how to regain control over your medical maintenance files!

Preventing Political Conflict in the Workplace

Political discussions are increasingly common in the workplace, and managing this trend is a significant concern for employers. While employees have rights to engage in protected activity, political talk can quickly escalate into conflict, harassment, or claims of discrimination. Learn how to craft thoughtful, legally compliant policies that maintain a civil, productive environment without infringing on employee rights.

Keep your workplace civil: Read our guide on the delicate balance employers must strike in preventing conflict by developing thoughtful policies: [Read here]

The Price of Misconduct: WCAB Imposes Joint and Several Liability

A recent WCAB decision, Nguyen v. Pacific Dental Services, LLC, serves as a stark $11,000 warning that aggressive defense tactics can cross the line into “bad faith” obstruction. Learn how to protect yourself and avoid liability by recognizing the dilatory tactics that backfired on this defendant in court.

Read the Full Article: 🔗 [Click Here]

WCAB Adopts Equitable Tolling

In a recent significant panel decision on due process, the WCAB has invoked the doctrine of equitable tolling to preserve an appeal that had been delayed for over four years due to an internal administrative error. In Blunt v. CDCR, the panel highlights that while statutory deadlines are strict, the constitutional mandate to accomplish “substantial justice” and ensure a petitioner’s right to be heard is protected. [Read more]

Employer’s Legal Risks Amid Recent Immigration Enforcement

Employers must navigate complex and escalating immigration enforcement actions while remaining compliant with federal and state laws. Especially in California, local statutes limit employer cooperation with enforcement agents, carrying heavy civil penalties for violations. Proactive measures are essential to insulate your business from costly investigations, fines, and operational disruption.

Protect your business from legal risks: [Learn How]

Stanley Escalante Senior Associate Attorney in Orange County bringing almost 30 years’ experience in the areas of Subrogation; Employment Law; Construction Law; Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation; with multiple civil jury trials to verdict.   Jackie Sabzevar Associate Attorney in Encino Branch Office focusing on Workers’ Compensation Defense, working with employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators to manage workers’ compensation claims with precision.

Candice S. Berry Senior Employment & Litigation Counsel in Orange County providing guidance on compliance, discipline and accommodation issues, and day-to-day employment and operations issues to help prevent unnecessary litigation.   Amye Osakue Associate Attorney in Orange Branch Office received her Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from the University of California Los Angeles. While training as a Law Clerk at PB&W, she passed the CA Bar Exam in November – congratulations Amye!