JUAN MEDRANO, RAQUEL MEDRANO vs. CHIPCO MANUFACTURING COMPANY, EMPLOYERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE COMPANY

This case involves multiple workers' compensation claims for a deceased employee, Juan Medrano, including a death benefit claim for his dependents. The defendant sought reconsideration and removal after the Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) ordered a Mandatory Settlement Conference instead of a trial, citing insufficient applicant discovery. The Appeals Board dismissed the Petition for Reconsideration as the WCJ's order was interlocutory and not a final determination of substantive rights. They also denied removal, finding no prejudice or irreparable harm to the defendant. The Board directed the WCJ to set all three cases for an MSC to clarify the record and ensure due process during further discovery.