As we wrap up another calendar year, the Law Offices of Bradford & Barthel wanted to take a step back and revisit some of the best blogs of 2023.
One of the firm’s underlying missions is to provide educational content out there for the workers’ compensation community. So whether you’re an adjuster, a claims manager, an employer, a hearing representative, or an attorney – it is our goal to try help make the complex topic of workers’ compensation easier to understand.
With that in mind, here are some of our best blogs from 2023. All of this year’s selections contain helpful information and practice tips that could come in handy in the future.
So without further adieu, here are some of the firm’s favorite blogs from 2023:
THE PREMISE LINE RULE AND INJURIES “OUTSIDE OF WORK”
by Michael Burns
This blog features a description of a recent appellate case that analyzed the fine line of whether an injury occurred on an employer’s premises or not. This is good to know for situations when the premises line comes into play.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/12/05/the-premise-line-rule-and-injuries-outside-of-work/
COVID PRESUMPTIONS SET TO EXPIRE ON 1/1/24
by John P. Kamin
The end of Covid-19 statutory presumptions is a topic we’ve been receiving daily questions about. We recommend that you take a look at this blog, so that you have a solid approach to Covid-19 claims as the calendar year changes.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/11/21/covid-presumptions-set-to-expire-on-1-1-24/
ANALYSIS: HOW THE CT DOCTRINE UNDERMINES THE POST-TERMINATION DEFENSE
by Daniel R. Stevens
One question that arises countless times is “wait, don’t we have a post-termination defense against that cumulative trauma claim?” In this blog post, attorney Daniel Stevens explains how California’s cumulative trauma doctrine has weakened the post-termination defense.
LIFE PENSION – WHEN DOES IT BEGIN
by Tim Mussack
Expert Rater Tim Mussack explains the complex topic of life pension benefits and when they should begin. The second half of this blog article features an interesting panel decision that should serve as a stark reminder to clarify precisely when life pension benefits should begin in settlement documents.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/07/31/life-pension-when-does-it-begin/
ISO CLAIMSEARCH PROVES TO BE AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR DEFENDANTS
by Nicholas P. Ward
An ISO Search is a valuable tool that many defendants forget about. In this article, partner Nicholas Ward explains why they are so valuable.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/07/06/iso-claimsearch/
PRO TIPS ON KEEPING LITIGATION EMAILS CLEAR
by Michael Peabody
Sending thousands of emails a year can have some serious pitfalls, so partner Michael Peabody offered up some common-sense tips that will help you avoid them.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/07/06/emails-and-litigation/
DWC ISSUES NEW QME REGS
by Zane Uribarri
This is another topic we routinely get questions about. After all, it’s easy to get confused about what QME deadlines are when, especially when they change every few years. Fortunately partner Zane Uribarri summarized them in this handy post.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/02/22/dwc-issues-new-qme-regs/
LIENS: DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE SECOND BILL REVIEW
by Kelly A. Curtius
Knowing and correctly applying the “second bill review” defense can save defendant’s big bucks. In this post, attorney Kelly Curtius explains how to use this helpful defense.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/02/21/liens-dont-forget-about-the-second-bill-review/
A GLANCE AT ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAMS
by Stephanie Rosil
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs may sound daunting, but partner Stephanie Rosil explains how they actually result in a far more efficient workers’ compensation claim experience.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/01/17/a-glance-at-alternative-dispute-resolution-programs/
PRIMER: WHEN IS THE SJDB VOUCHER DUE?
by Michael Burns
Partner Michael Burns explains when the SJDB voucher is due, and when it is not due. We figured this post would be helpful because the SJDB voucher comes into play on the vast majority of claims.
Link: https://bradfordbarthel.com/2023/07/06/supplemental-job-displacement-benefit-sjdb/
Got a question about workers’ compensation defense issues? Feel free to contact John P. Kamin. Mr. Kamin is a workers’ compensation defense attorney and equity partner at Bradford & Barthel’s Woodland Hills location, where he monitors the recent legislative affairs as the firm’s Director of the Editorial Board. Mr. Kamin previously worked as a journalist for WorkCompCentral, where he reported on work-related injuries in all 50 states. Please feel free to contact John at jkamin@bradfordbarthel.com or at (818) 654-0411.
Viewing this website does not form an attorney/client relationship between you and Bradford & Barthel, LLP or any of its attorneys. This website is for informational purposes only and does not contain legal advice. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read on this site. This document is not a substitute for legal advice and may not address every factual scenario. If you have a legal question, we encourage you to contact your favorite Bradford & Barthel, LLP attorney to discuss the legal issues applicable to your unique case. No website is entirely secure, so please be cautious with information provided through the contact form or email. Do not assume confidentiality exists in anything you send through this website or email, until an attorney/client relationship is formed.