Lillie Hayes Staples — ADJ18581291

Defendant Oakland Unified School District, permissibly self-insured and administered by TriStar Risk Management, filed a petition for removal from a WCJ order taking the matter off calendar issued May 27, 2026. Defendant argued a bifurcated trial was warranted on the issue of whether applicant Lillie Hayes Staples's psychological injury occurred by a violent act. Applicant filed an answer, and the WCJ recommended denial of removal. The Appeals Board, relying on the WCJ's Report, found defendant failed to show substantial prejudice or irreparable harm and that reconsideration would be an adequate remedy if a final adverse decision issued. The Board denied the petition for removal, agreeing that good cause to bifurcate the violent act issue was not presented.