Lopez, Vicente

Applicant's decedent, Vicente Lopez, died from an injury sustained as a landscaper on April 16, 2022; his survivors pursued a death benefits claim. After periods of inactivity, defendant twice sought dismissal under WCAB Rule 10550, and WCJ Sommer issued an August 2, 2024 'self-destruct' dismissal order containing a clause voiding the order if a timely good cause objection was filed. Applicant timely objected, but WCJ Sulprizio later issued orders dismissing and then 'reaffirming dismissal' of the case without a hearing despite timely objections. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, holding the August 2, 2024 self-destruct order was void ab initio under WCAB Rules 10550(f) and 10850(b), that applicant's objection showed good cause on its face, and that applicant was denied due process. The Board vacated both dismissal orders and returned the matter to the trial level for a status conference, including to address the disputed replacement panel in Internal Medicine.