MICHAEL SULLIVAN & ASSOCIATES BLOG

It’s the September Rhino Round-Up!

September was a month to remember at MS&A! From an inspiring attorney retreat to celebrating excellence at the CLA Workers’ Compensation Awards Ceremony, we made unforgettable memories together. We also took time out for some fun at an Angel's baseball game, showcased our insights at industry conferences, and strengthened our bonds through exciting team-building events.

If you'd like to join MS&A at one of our upcoming events, just follow us on one of our social media channels--we're on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. We'd love to have you attend one of our events!

What an unforgettable time at the MS&A 2024 Attorney Retreat in Irvine!

From September 20th-21st, our team came together for two days of growth, collaboration, and fun! We kicked things off with insightful presentations and breakout sessions, followed by moments to unwind with yoga, a cabana party, and even a karaoke night!

The connections made and the experiences shared remind us of the strength of our team and the bright future ahead!

Labor Code 4610(i)(1) normally requires a utilization review (UR) determination to be made within "five normal business days from the receipt of a request for authorization for medical treatment and supporting information reasonably necessary to make the determination, but in no event more than 14 days from the date of the medical treatment recommendation by the physician." But LC 4610(i)(3) requires an expedited review when the employee faces an "imminent and serious threat to his or her health, ... or the normal timeframe for the decision-making process ... would be detrimental to the employee’s life or health or could jeopardize the employee’s ability to regain maximum function." In those situations, the UR decision must be made in a timely fashion "not to exceed 72 hours after receipt of the information reasonably necessary to make the determination."

What an amazing experience at the #CAJPA2024 Annual Conference!

The MS&A team had the privilege of connecting with many inspiring public agency risk professionals, exchanging insights, and learning from industry leaders. It's always a pleasure to be part of such a great community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and attended our sessions!

If you'd like to join MS&A at one of our upcoming events, just follow us on one of our social media channels--we're on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. We'd love to have you attend one of our events!

It’s the August Rhino Round-Up!

August was an incredible month for MS&A, filled with fun, team spirit, and celebrations! We hit the lanes for some friendly competition at bowling events, showcased our skills on the green at a lively golf tournament, and came together to celebrate a baby shower for one of our team members.

If you'd like to join MS&A at one of our upcoming events, just follow us on one of our social media channels--we're on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. We'd love to have you attend one of our events!

For more than 30 years, the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) relied on Shipley v. WCAB (1992) 7 Cal. App. 4th 1104 to decide petitions for reconsideration, even if it did not act timely on a petition pursuant to former Labor Code § 5909. That statute stated, "A petition for reconsideration is deemed to have been denied by the appeals board unless it is acted upon within 60 days from the date of filing." Based on Shipley, the WCAB generally held that if a petition was not considered within the time limit of LC 5909 due to the WCAB's own inadvertent error, it still may decide the merits of the petition, even if the 60-day time period has elapsed.

Labor Code § 4664(c)(1) states, "The accumulation of all permanent disability awards issued with respect to any one region of the body in favor of one individual employee shall not exceed 100 percent over the employee’s lifetime unless the employee’s injury or illness is conclusively presumed to be total in character pursuant to Section 4662." The regions of the body for the purposes of the statute are:

It’s the July Rhino Round-Up!

From baseball games to summer mixers and educational events, July was a busy month for MS&A and we’re grateful for these opportunities to grow and connect with our community!

If you'd like to join MS&A at one of our upcoming events, just follow us on one of our social media channels--we're on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. We'd love to have you attend one of our events!