State Fund, DWC Move to Dismiss IMR Challenge

By Greg JonesWestern Bureau ChiefThe California Division of Workers’ Compensation and State Compensation Insurance Fund moved to dismiss as premature a lawsuit alleging that the independent medical review process doesn’t afford injured workers an opportunity for meaningful judicial review, in violation of the California Constitution.Frances Stevens, who petitioned for a writ of review and a writ of mandate with the 1st District Court of Appeal on April 3, had not exhausted all available remedies before doing so, the division and State Fund said in court filings. Additionally, the a...