Littles, Maurice

Applicant Maurice Littles, a Walmart/Sam's Club greeter, suffered a stipulated industrial injury to his right wrist and hand on June 7, 2015 when a customer twisted his thumb during a confrontation. At trial, applicant testified that the same incident also injured his head, neck, back, and left hip, but that AME Dr. Newton declined to address those body parts, stating he was only 'there for' the hand. The WCJ issued an F&A finding injury only to the right wrist and hand, made no findings on the other claimed body parts, and denied a post-trial request to develop the record, believing she lacked jurisdiction after the close of discovery. The Appeals Board granted reconsideration, holding that the WCAB retains broad authority under Labor Code sections 5701 and 5906 to order development of the record even after discovery closes, and that Dr. Newton's reports were not substantial evidence because they lacked an adequate history of the mechanism of injury. The F&A was rescinded and the matter returned to the WCJ for further proceedings.