§ 10409. Venue.

(a) The person or entity filing an initial Application for Adjudication (or other case opening document) shall designate venue and shall specify whether venue is based upon: (1) the place of the employee or dependent's residence at the time of filing (Lab. Code, § 5501.5(a)(1) or (d)); (2) the place where the injury allegedly occurred or, for cumulative trauma or industrial disease claims, where the last alleged injurious exposure occurred (Lab. Code, § 5501.5(a)(2) or (d)); or (3) the place where the employee's attorney maintains his or her principal place of business (Lab. Code, § 5501.5(a)(3)).

(b) When a Division of Workers' Compensation employee files his or her own Application for Adjudication of Claim or other case opening document, the following provisions shall apply:

(1) Regardless of the venue designated by the employee, venue shall be determined as follows:

(A) The parties may agree on a venue, subject to the approval of the presiding workers' compensation judge of the agreed-upon venue;.

(B) If the parties are unable to agree on a suitable venue, or for any other good cause shown, the presiding workers' compensation judge of the district office designated on the application or other case opening document shall consult with the Secretary or other Deputy Commissioner of the Appeals Board to determine the appropriate venue, with the Secretary or other Deputy Commissioner issuing the appropriate venue order.

(2) The Secretary or other Deputy Commissioner of the Appeals Board shall assign the case to a workers' compensation judge unfamiliar with the employee. When appropriate, a workers' compensation judge from a region other than the employee's region shall be assigned.

HISTORY

1. New section filed 11-17-2008; operative 11-17-2008. Submitted to OAL for printing only (Register 2008, No. 47).

Note

Note: Authority cited: Sections 133, 5307, 5309 and 5708, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 5500 and 5501.5, Labor Code.