VENANCIO GALLEGOS vs. ROSE & SHORE RITE WAY RR MEAT PACKERS, INCORPORATED/RITE-WAY MEAT PACKERS, INCORPORATED, EVEREST NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY

The Appeals Board granted defendant's Petition for Removal, rescinding the WCJ's order to further develop the record. This decision was based on the WCJ's premature order to depose the original PQME, Dr. Steiger, before ruling on whether his reports were admissible. The Board found that requiring this deposition without a ruling on Dr. Steiger's availability would be premature and cause irreparable harm. The case is returned to the trial level for a status conference before a new judge to address the PQME dispute and other issues.