Sanchez, Esmeralda

Applicant Esmeralda Sanchez, a janitor, alleged a continuous trauma injury (8/31/2022-8/31/2023) to her knees, feet, trunk, shoulders, and lumbar spine, and the underlying claim was resolved by Compromise and Release approved 3/20/2024. Lien claimant Spectrum Medical Group pursued a $5,131.32 lien for treatment and a medical-legal report by Dr. Nia. The WCJ found Dr. Nia's report inadmissible under Labor Code section 4628 (no interpreter identified, inaccurate/incomplete history, failure to disclose time spent), held the lien claimant failed to prove AOE/COE while standing in applicant's shoes, and awarded only $1,000 for the 10/25/2023 date of service plus penalties and interest. Both defendant and lien claimant sought reconsideration. The Board granted both petitions, finding the record was not properly developed and not supported by substantial evidence, and deferred a final decision pending further review.