Atefa Samadi — ADJ16563992, ADJ15605011

Applicant Atefa Samadi sought reconsideration of a Joint Findings, Award and Orders finding 22% permanent disability from bilateral upper extremity injuries at Amazon. The WCJ proceeded to an in-person trial in applicant's absence after her request to appear remotely was denied via an unsigned email from the WCJ's secretary with no proof of service. The Board granted reconsideration, holding that the denial of applicant's virtual appearance request violated due process because the response was not a proper WCJ order and applicant was denied a fair hearing on the merits. The Board further disqualified WCJ James Griffin under Labor Code section 5311 because his Report made him a witness and showed an unqualified opinion and apparent bias. The FA&O was rescinded and the matter returned to the Presiding WCJ to assign a new judge, while applicant was admonished for using disrespectful language.