In terms of FSML’s workers’ compensation practice, the law firm defends all aspects of workers’ compensation claims including §132a discrimination claims, claims for serious and willful misconduct, and subrogation claims, in addition to coordinating defenses pertaining to the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Its highly reputable attorneys make appearances at all Workers’ Compensation Appeals Boards throughout California, including Anaheim, Bakersfield, Eureka, Fresno, Goleta, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Oakland, Oxnard, Pomona, Redding, Riverside, Sacramento, Salinas, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Santa Ana, Santa Rosa, Stockton and Van Nuys.
Amanda Manukian is the chairperson of our Special Investigation Unit. Ms. Manukian was an Assistant Deputy District Attorney for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and later served as the Fraud Liaison for the State Compensation Insurance Fund. Along with John Castro, a Certified Professional in Fraud Identification with the Insurance Educational Association, they specialize in fraud identification and prosecution, to include criminal convictions and restitution.
Our Subrogation Defense Unit is chaired by John Langevin in our Riverside office, and our General Liability and Civil Defense Department is chaired by Tim Simmen in our Westlake Village office. Both departments are anchored by Blake Posner, Michael Peterson, Brianne Uebelhardt and David Graziani in Westlake Village and by Eric Ostling in Sacramento. The team manages all of the firm’s subrogation, civil litigation, and general liability cases and defends a myriad of claims throughout the state. Whether the suit involves property damage, personal injury, premise liability, transportation liability, multi-party suits, or similar, the team works closely with our clients to address concerns and risks at every stage of the litigation process.
Elizabeth Herschel is the Director of our statewide Lien Unit. She oversees and manages all Hearing Representatives and Lien Specialists throughout California. With extensive knowledge of the Official Medical Fee Schedule and the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule, this unit ensures that liens are given the utmost attention, with the goal of a cost-effective defense and efficient closure.
Additional services include Fee Schedule Analysis (individual bills, overview of the entire case, and guidance on bill review compliance), EOR accuracy and timeliness, lien analysis (identifying defenses to payment or recommending appropriate level of reimbursement), UR analysis, MPN issues, and all threshold issues.
FSML conducts seminars on California Workers’ Compensation Law. These seminars are specifically tailored for our individual clients’ needs. We have conducted seminars on broad topics such as, “How Does the New Law Impact Your Business?” as well as specific topics like, “How to Avoid §132a Claims.” Ask us about customizing a seminar for your specific business’ needs.