Francisco Morales Villegas — ADJ12852505

Defendant Recon360 LLC, insured by Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company (administered by Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies), filed a petition for removal from a WCJ's January 12, 2026 order taking the matter off calendar. Defendant sought to have the matter immediately proceed to a bifurcated trial on its petition for a replacement QME. The WCJ filed a Report recommending denial, and applicant filed no answer. The Appeals Board, applying the extraordinary-remedy standard for removal, found no substantial prejudice or irreparable harm and concluded that reconsideration would be an adequate remedy if a final adverse decision later issued. The Board also agreed with the WCJ that good cause was not presented to bifurcate the replacement panel issue, and denied removal.