Is there someone at the WCAB I can talk to, on the phone or in person, about my case?

This video reviews the I&A Office, employees at the WCAB who are able to answer questions (but not give advice) about workers' comp. If you are an injured worker with a California injury, and don’t have an attorney, this video is intended to help provide an overview of workers’ compensation topics so you can better represent yourself.
Find a listing of all I&A Offices here www.dir.ca.gov...
Or call the I&A Statewide office at 1-800-736-7401
Jeremy Lusk is a certified specialist in workers’ compensation with about two decades of experience, and previously served as a Judge at the Fresno District Office of the WCAB. He has worked out of Fresno, but appeared at numerous Boards to represent both injured workers and employers/carriers.
No attorney/client relationship is created or implied by this video. This video is not offering legal advice as to what you should, or should not, do in your workers’ compensation case, but rather offers education/information as to the California workers’ compensation system for unrepresented workers so they can better represent themselves and make more informed decisions.
If you have any questions, let us know at [e-mail]

[@BearPapa49]

Good
Content . But I can’t imagine one go through this process without an attorney

[@myworkerscompguide]

I tend to agree.

[@jennylyncortes5164]

Can I ask for my future medical treatments to be closed with the settlement?

[@myworkerscompguide]

Yes. The standard settlement is Stipulations with Request for Award which leaves future medical care open. However, if you want to close out future medical you can talk to the adjuster about a possible Compromise and Release which would be a lump sum to close out everything. If both sides want a C&R, and agree on a number, and a judge approves the settlement, then you can close it out.

[@jennylyncortes5164]

@myworkerscompguide would there be any reason for defense not to agree to close out future medical and settle as compromise and release? If the defense don't agree can the judge make the decision to settle the case?

[@myworkerscompguide]

@@jennylyncortes5164 There are tons of reasons. Maybe the employee still works at the same company, so the insurance company still has the risk. Maybe the employee wants too much money. Maybe the employee wants too much money. Maybe the insurance company thinks the employee won't use much future medical. Maybe the budget is tight, so they're avoiding C&R's at this point. Sometimes they just don't want to pay out future medical. Sometimes they are worried about related issues such as Medicare for an employee who is getting Social Security. Etc.

[@jennylyncortes5164]

@myworkerscompguide Thank you so much for all your help. I have so much more questions for you but I think this will do for now. I really appreciate you answering my questions it has helped me alot.

[@myworkerscompguide]

@@jennylyncortes5164Best of luck to you.