Katherine Mulder — ADJ7968728, ADJ10451461

Katherine Mulder, a LAUSD teacher appearing in pro per, sought reconsideration of a July 16, 2026 Findings of Fact & Award & Order that found admitted industrial injury to her neck and low back from a March 5, 2010 fall, rejected her psyche claim, and assessed 19% permanent disability. After her attorney died in February 2026 and she repeatedly failed to appear at four trial dates, the WCJ opted to issue an award of benefits rather than dismiss the case, concluding that awarding the benefits she was entitled to from an admitted injury achieved substantial justice. Mulder then filed what the WCJ characterized as an untimely/unverified email petition raising due process, ADA accommodation, bias, and representation issues. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration on a preliminary basis, finding the record unclear as to whether adequate due process was afforded regarding her claim of medical blackouts, and deferred a final decision pending further review under Labor Code section 5909's 60-day constraint.