Court of Appeal rules there is no apportionment for disability resulting from medical treatment

This is a published decision of the court of appeal

This is a very significant case for workers’ compensation principles.

The applicant did many years of clerical work for Costco. The applicant took a leave to undergo carpal tunnel surgery. She filed a claim and this was an admitted injury. Following surgery, she developed chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

The Agreed Medical Examiner (AME) found the applicant permanent and totally disabled. He apportioned 90% industrial and 10% nonindustrial.

The Workers’ Compensation Judge (WCJ) awarded the applicant 90% permanent disability. The applicant filed for reconsideration. The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board after a remand increased disability but still allowed apportionment. A writ was filed.

The court of appeal dealt with timeliness of appeal and allowed the appeal. The court reviewed sections 4663 and 4664. The court indicated that the issue is whether an employer is liable for both the medical treatment and any disability arising directly from an unsuccessful medical treatment, without apportionment. They reviewed the statutes and Granado and Dueville. Here there was no dispute that the applicant had disabling carpal tunnel. The surgery went badly resulting in CRPS.

They indicated that the employer is thus responsible for the treatment with no apportionment. HB

Case: Hikida v. WCAB (Costco Wholesale Corp.)


Editor:
Harvey Brown
Address:
3501 Jamboree Rd. Suite 602
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone:
949-252-1300
Website:
www.sgvblaw.com

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