Adams, Charlene

Charlene Adams, a security guard for St. Francis Memorial Hospital, claimed injury to her head, neck, right shoulder, right knee, and psyche from a January 13, 2020 workplace incident in which a coworker (Jordan Pang) allegedly slammed a drawer into her knee and rammed his shoulder into hers. The WCJ found no industrial injury AOE/COE, held that AME Dr. Mandell's reports were not substantial medical evidence, and ordered applicant take nothing. The WCAB granted reconsideration, finding the WCJ improperly relied on lay testimony (supervisor Wright) to decide a medical injury question, mischaracterized the record on post-termination reporting, and overlooked documentary evidence (Exhibits 6 and 7) showing the incident was reported and corroborated before termination. The Board agreed Dr. Mandell's reasoning was admittedly brief but emphasized the duty to develop the record, recommending a supplemental report from Dr. Mandell or appointment of a regular physician. The Findings and Order were rescinded and the matter returned to the trial level for further proceedings.