Lopez Hernandez, Eleazar

Applicant Eleazar Lopez Hernandez filed a petition for removal from a January 2, 2026 order taking the matter off calendar, arguing the case was ready for trial. The primary underlying dispute concerned whether to compel a second deposition of applicant before trial; the WCJ initially ordered the deposition but rescinded that order after applicant sought reconsideration and noticed intent to set the issue for hearing. The Appeals Board, noting removal is an extraordinary remedy, found applicant failed to show substantial prejudice or irreparable harm or that reconsideration would be an inadequate remedy. The Board emphasized that the parties would have the opportunity at a subsequent hearing to create a record, raise issues, and submit evidence on whether further deposition was warranted. The petition for removal was denied.