Roy Ladd — ADJ4651980

Applicant Roy Ladd, a 62-year-old firefighter who sustained a 2004 low back injury, signed Stipulations with Request for Award in 2005 that were approved by a WCJ awarding permanent disability. Years later (after hiring counsel in 2020), applicant disputed ever signing the stipulations or receiving payment, alleging possible forgery and non-payment, and sought penalties, sanctions, and attorney's fees. The defendant produced a benefit printout showing $45,950.00 in PD payments issued between 2004 and 2009 but could not produce check images because they were destroyed after the 10-year retention period. The WCJ found applicant's significant delay unreasonable and prejudicial to the defendant under the doctrine of laches, found applicant not credible, and denied penalties. The WCAB adopted the WCJ's report and denied reconsideration.