Articles
Expert guides on California workers' compensation medical-legal evaluations for physicians and attorneys.
How to Request a QME Panel in California
Complete guide to the QME panel request process under Labor Code §4062.2, including timelines, form requirements, specialty selection strategy, and the strike process.
How to Write a QME Apportionment Analysis in California
Step-by-step guide for QME physicians on writing defensible apportionment opinions under Labor Code §4663 and §4664, including Escobedo/Benson case law and AMA Guides methodology.
Understanding IME Reports in California Workers' Compensation
Comprehensive guide to Independent Medical Examination reports, including what they contain, how they are used in disputes, and strategies for both physicians writing and attorneys reviewing them.
Workers' Compensation vs. Personal Injury in California
Side-by-side comparison of California workers' compensation and personal injury claims, including eligibility, benefits, timelines, and when to pursue dual claims.
PQME Evaluation Guide for California Workers' Compensation
Everything you need to know about the Panel QME evaluation process, from requesting a panel to the strike process, examination, and challenging the report.
Workers' Compensation vs. Disability Benefits in California
Compare California workers' compensation and disability benefits (SDI and SSDI), including eligibility differences, benefit calculations, and when you can collect both.
How to Write a QME Report in California
Step-by-step guide for physicians on writing comprehensive, defensible QME reports that meet all regulatory requirements under CCR Title 8, including structure, timelines, and common pitfalls.
AMA Guides 5th Edition: California Workers' Compensation Rating Guide
Comprehensive reference for using the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition, as mandated by Labor Code §4660.1 for California workers' compensation cases.
Workers' Compensation Fraud Investigation in California
Guide to workers' compensation fraud types, investigation procedures, legal consequences under Insurance Code §1871.4, and how QME physicians identify red flags during evaluations.
What Records to Submit for a QME Evaluation in California
Complete attorney guide to the medical records, employment documents, and diagnostic materials required for a QME evaluation under Labor Code §4062.3, including the 20-day service rule.
PQME Panel Request: How to Request a Panel QME in California
Complete guide to the PQME panel request process, including DWC Form 106 electronic filing, the AME prerequisite, specialty selection strategy, strike process, and timelines for represented cases.
Work Comp Settlement Chart: California PD Ratings and Body Part Values
Comprehensive California workers' comp settlement chart with permanent disability rating ranges by body part, PD-to-dollar conversion, C&R vs Stips analysis, and negotiation strategies.
IME Appointment: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Complete guide to IME appointments in California workers' comp, covering what to expect, how to prepare, patient rights, how IME differs from QME/AME, and what happens after the examination.
Workers' Comp vs FMLA in California: Key Differences
Comprehensive comparison of California workers' compensation and the Family and Medical Leave Act, covering eligibility, benefits, concurrent leave rules, CFRA differences, and retaliation protections.