Puente, Carolina

Applicant Carolina Puente filed a petition for removal challenging discovery orders issued July 23, 2025, by the WCJ, contending that discovery should include cross-examination (deposition) of the evaluator, which was not included in the discovery order. The Appeals Board, noting removal is an extraordinary remedy, found applicant failed to demonstrate substantial prejudice or irreparable harm or that reconsideration would be an inadequate remedy. The Board reasoned that once the parties proceed to trial, they will have the opportunity to create a record, raise all relevant issues, and request further development of the record, including resubmitting the request to depose the evaluator. The Board made no judgment on whether additional discovery was warranted, citing the absence of a formal record. The petition for removal was denied.