MARIA MONTALVO vs. FAA FIRST FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, OAK RIVER INSURANCE, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESTATE COMPANY, EVEREST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPNAY, AMERICAN CLAIMS

A lien claimant petitioned to disqualify the Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) because her husband previously represented a defendant in these matters for three years. The Appeals Board granted the petition, finding that the WCJ's husband's prior involvement creates an appearance of impropriety, regardless of his actual level of participation. This appearance of bias, coupled with the possibility that the husband could be a material witness, necessitates reassignment to another WCJ to ensure impartiality. The Board cited due process requirements and judicial ethics regarding the appearance of fairness in administrative proceedings.