Author Archives: Joseph Yrulegui

California Regulators Accuse Business Owner in Fresno of Workers’ Compensation Fraud

On May 16, 2024, the Fresno Bee reported that California regulators were accusing a business owner in Fresno of workers’ compensation fraud. Heigo Kubar—the former owner of a Fresno-based trucking company—is facing allegations that he underreported company payroll by approximately $2 million. Mr. Kubar is facing three felony criminal counts. He had pleaded not guilty […]

California Written Workers’ Compensation Insurance Premiums Jump By Two Percent

In May 2024, the Insurance Journal reported that the written workers’ compensation premiums were 2% higher in 2023 when compared to the previous year. The information comes from the final annual report from the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB California). Here, our Sacramento workers’ compensation defense lawyer highlights the key points to […]

WCAB Orders Reconsideration in COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Case

In a recent decision, the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) granted a Petition for Reconsideration in Cisneros v. Los Angeles Unified School District, a case involving a healthcare assistant’s psychiatric injury claim following the enforcement of a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. Within this blog post, our Fresno workers’ compensation defense lawyer discusses the allegations […]

California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Orders Reconsideration in Valley Fever Case

In a recent decision, the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) ordered the reconsideration of a denied workers’ compensation claim involving a case of advanced Valley Fever, also known as disseminated coccidioidomycosis. This decision underscores the complexities of proving workplace-related illnesses and the importance of comprehensive evidence and expert testimony. Case Background The case involves […]

California Labor Code §3208.3 Claims: How is “Sudden and Extraordinary” Defined?

In California, employers are required to carry no-fault workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. If a person is hurt on the job, they can file for benefits. However, California Labor Code § 3208.3(d) states that employers cannot be held liable through a workers’ compensation claim for a “psychiatric injury” of an employee who has […]

What Evidence Can an Employer Use to Defend a Labor Code 132(a) Claim?

An employee who is injured on the job has the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits. They cannot be punished for doing so. Indeed, even if an employer believes that a worker is filing a false claim, retaliation should be avoided. Under California Labor Code § 132(a), an employer that engaged in retaliation can […]

New Workplace Violence Prevention Law Set to Take Effect in California; Workers’ Compensation Insurance Has a Big Role

In July 2024, a new law is taking effect in California that will require all employers to develop and implement a workplace violence prevention plan. Workers’ compensation insurance companies will play a major part of regulating the new labor requirements. Within this article, our Fresno workers’ compensation defense lawyers highlight the key points to know […]

California Chiropractor Gets Decades in Prison in Nine-Figure Workers’ Compensation Fraud Case

In April, the Insurance Journal reported that a chiropractor in California has been sentenced to 54 years in prison as part of a more than $150 million workers’ compensation fraud case. Peyman Heidary—a chiropractor from Riverside County—orchestrated what has been referred to as the “godfather” of workers’ compensation fraud. In this article, our Bakersfield workers’ […]

California Employer Will Pay Nearly $700,000.00 in Restitution for Workers’ Compensation Fraud

On May 3, 2024, the Insurance Journal reported that a business owner in California had been ordered to pay nearly $700,000.00 in financial restitution as part of a workers’ compensation fraud case. Jorge Maldonado—the owner of a construction company—underreported his company’s number of employees. Here, our Sacramento workers’ compensation defense lawyers discuss the case in […]

Applicant Ordered to Pay More than $100,000.00 in Restitution in Workers’ Compensation Fraud Case in Sacramento County

On March 14, 2024, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office announced that Ahmad Zaki Noori, a welder convicted for workers’ compensation fraud, has been ordered to pay significant financial restitution. He was previously indicted for two counts of felony workers’ compensation fraud. Here, our Sacramento workers’ compensation defense attorney discusses the case in more detail. […]