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.
Judge David W. O’Brien (retired) is the chairperson of our Appellate Department. He is the foremost expert on workers’ compensation in California. Judge O’Brien is the author of the definitive treatise, California Workers’ Compensation Claims and Benefits, California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Employee Rights and Responsibilities, as well as other titles including, California Unemployment and Disability Compensation Programs.
Our Subrogation and Liability Defense Unit is chaired by John Langevin in our Oakland office and is further anchored by the likes of Blake Posner in Westlake Village and Eric Ostling in Sacramento. The team manages all of the firm’s subrogation, civil litigation, and general liability defense on a statewide basis.
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 files 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, led by Judge O’Brien, 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.