Arey, William

Applicant William Arey, a ride mechanic, claimed a specific injury to his brain and head on September 10, 2015, when he tripped and fell face-first onto concrete, and a cumulative injury from 2005 to 2015 to his head, nervous system, and circulatory system. AME neurologist Dr. Bertoldi causally connected applicant's intracranial hemorrhage and subdural hematoma to the work fall. Defendant Hartford sought reconsideration of the WCJ's April 22, 2025 F&O, challenging both the substantiality of Dr. Bertoldi's reporting and the participation of applicant's sister at the AME evaluation as alleged ex parte contact under Labor Code section 4062.3(g). The WCAB found Dr. Bertoldi's reporting constituted substantial medical evidence and that the sister's participation, given applicant's significantly impaired memory and recall, was necessary and permissible communication on applicant's behalf rather than prohibited ex parte contact. The Board denied reconsideration.