Christine Colfer Auchterlonie — ADJ3521326

Defendant Ralphs Grocery Company, permissibly self-insured and administered by Sedgwick CMS, filed a petition for removal challenging a WCJ's April 16, 2026 order appointing a bill review expert in a lien dispute. Defendant argued that further discovery through a bill review expert was unwarranted. The WCAB panel denied removal, finding that defendant failed to demonstrate substantial prejudice or irreparable harm, and that reconsideration would provide an adequate remedy if a final adverse decision ultimately issued. The Board emphasized that the parties would have a full opportunity to create a record, raise issues, and submit evidence at trial.