WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

WORKERS' COMP PODCASTS

In terms of FS&K’s workers’ compensation practice, the law firm defends all aspects of workers' compensation claims including 132a discrimination claims, claims for serious and willful misconduct, and subrogation claims, in addition to coordinating defenses pertaining to the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Its highly reputable attorneys make appearances at all Workers' Compensation Appeals Boards throughout California, including Anaheim, Bakersfield, Eureka, Fresno, Goleta, Grover Beach, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Oxnard, Pomona, Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, Salinas, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Ana, Santa Monica, Santa Rosa, Stockton and Van Nuys. The law firm also represents clients before the Nevada Department of Administration through its Las Vegas office.

LITIGATION REFERRAL

• Special Investigations Unit

Amanda Manukian is the chairperson of our Special Investigation Unit. Ms. Manukian was an Assistant Deputy District Attorney for the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office and later served as the Fraud Liaison for the State Compensation Insurance Fund.

Terry Smith, the Managing Attorney in charge of the Thousand Oaks office, is also a member of the SIU. Mr. Smith's background in special investigations includes thirteen years as a deputy sheriff with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. He has also worked at the Ventura County District Attorney's Office and served as the Special Investigation Unit Attorney at a major insurance carrier.

• Appellate Unit

Judge David W. O'Brien (retired), the foremost expert on workers’ compensation law in California, is the chairperson of our Appellate Department. Judge O'Brien is the author of the definitive treatise on California workers’ compensation law, California Workers' Compensation Claims and Benefits, in addition to the popular pamphlet California Workers' Compensation Insurance Employee Rights and Responsibilities, and a treatise on unemployment insurance, California Unemployment and Disability Compensation Programs.

• Subrogation Unit

Norman F. Boxley heads our Subrogation Unit. He is also the Managing Attorney of our firm’s litigation department located in FS&K’s Pasadena office. Other members of this unit are John M. Langevin from our Riverside office and David Weitzman from our San Fernando Valley Office. Our Pasadena office handles all of the firm's civil litigation and general liability defense.

• Lien Unit

Hearing Representative Walter Hesse manages FS&K's Lien Unit. He has extensive knowledge of the Official Medical Fee Schedule and decades of experience litigating medical treatment and medical/legal liens.

• Client Training/Seminars

FS&K conducts seminars and training sessions on California workers' compensation law. These seminars, led by Judge O'Brien, Rene Folse and other highly trained FS&K attorneys, are specifically tailored for our individual client needs. For example, we have conducted seminars on broad topics such as, "How Does the New Workers’ Compensation Law Impact Your Business?" as well as specific topics like, "How to Avoid 132a Claims." Ask us about customizing a seminar for your specific business needs.