The California Court of Appeal issued an important decision that affects almost every injured worker who relies on ongoing medical treatment. The case, Illinois Midwest Insurance Agency v. WCAB (Rodriguez), holds that insurance companies must run every treatment request through Utilization Review (UR) and Independent Medical Review (IMR). Yes, even continuing or long-term care.
Ryan D. Kayrell, PC — Trusted Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Move
We’re excited to announce that Ryan D. Kayrell, PC has officially moved to a new location! Our firm is now based at:
What Does It Mean to “Get” FMLA?
You’ve probably heard coworkers or friends say things like “I got FMLA” or “My doctor gave me FMLA” when they’re dealing with a work injury or health issue. But here’s the thing, that’s not really how FMLA works, and the confusion around this phrase can lead to some pretty big misunderstandings, especially when you’re dealing with a workers’ compensation claim here in California.
Medical Treatment Request Denials
When the Insurance Company Plays Doctor: The Reality of Medical Treatment Denials
Update on Workers’ Comp PQME Rules: What It Means for You
A recent court case (Vazquez v. Renteria, May 2025) changed how California judges handle slow-to-schedule Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs). Here’s what you need to know in plain language.
You Deserve an Attorney Who Knows Your Name
Why Personal Representation Matters in Your California Workers Compensation Case
Workers Comp in a Shrinking Economy
The economy is shifting, and not in a good way. With the recent announcement of new tariffs by the Trump administration, corporations are bracing for impact. Some have already started announcing layoffs including some of the biggest employers in Southern California such as Amazon, UPS, Memorial Care, Kaiser Permanente, Forever 21, and even some school districts. The trend is clear: businesses are cutting costs, and that often means jobs are on the chopping block.
The Hidden Cost of Warehouse Work: Higher Injury Rates
A recent investigation by the US Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee has found that Amazon warehouses have significantly higher rates of injury than industry standards. The California Applicants’ Attorneys Association (CAAA) has also written about how Amazon’s obsession with speed is injurying workers at higher than normal rates. This new data highlights the physically demanding and often dangerous conditions inside many fulfillment centers.
Dealing with the workers’ compensation system
I received this question from an injured worker, and thought the response deserved broader reach. Here it is with only minor editing. Enjoy.