As we step into the new year, many of us are reflecting on our resolutions and goals for the months ahead. However, for Los Angeles residents, the start of the new year has been marked by the sobering reality of wildfires that continue to impact the community. The recent events serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, in both our personal and professional lives, and of the importance of perseverance and fortitude for the year that lies ahead.
COURT CALL VIDEO HEARINGS TO COMMENCE MARCH 1
Among the biggest changes that practitioners should anticipate this year, is the start of the new CourtCall video platform that will start on March 1, 2025.
Last month, the Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) announced that all conferences (trials and expedited hearings will continue to be held in-person) will be moved from the judge’s individual telephonic conference lines to the CourtCall video platform.
Each judge will have a dedicated link to their virtual courtroom on the CourtCall video platform. These links will soon be published on the DWC website and included in hearing notices in the coming months. Additionally, each courtroom will provide a call-in number if required by the parties. Training videos for the platform will be accessible on the DWC website to assist participants.
The DWC expects this technological upgrade to enhance the functionality of hearings while offering parties greater flexibility throughout the conference process. This service will be provided to the parties free of charge.
While there may be bumps in the roll out of this process, the DWC will share regular updates on the conversion timeline through its Newsline.
With virtual appearances becoming the new norm, attorneys should remember to dress formally, at least from the waist up!
DWC ANNOUNCES 2025 TTD RATE INCREASES
The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has announced an adjustment to the minimum and maximum temporary total disability (TTD) rates, effective January 1, 2025. The minimum TTD rate will rise from $242.86 to $252.03 per week, while the maximum TTD rate will increase from $1,619.15 to $1,680.29 per week.
This adjustment is required by Labor Code (LC) Section 4453(a)(10), which mandates that the weekly maximum and minimum earnings for TTD calculations be updated annually to reflect the percentage increase in the State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) – sometimes referred to as a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). The SAWW, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, represents the average weekly wages of California employees covered by unemployment insurance for the 12 months ending March 31 of the prior year. From March 31, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the SAWW increased from $1,642 to $1,704, a 3.77588% rise.
Practitioners should be mindful that pursuant to LC Section 4659(c), injured workers with a date of injury on or after January 1, 2003 who are receiving life pension (LP) or permanent total disability (PTD) benefits are also entitled to have their weekly LP or PTD rate adjusted based on the SAWW.
Please be sure to adjust for the SAWW/COLA increase!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 32ND ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE
The 32nd annual workers’ compensation educational conference is right around the corner and will take place in-person on March 6th and 7th, 2025 at the Marriott City Center Hotel in Oakland and on March 20th and 21st, 2025 at Los Angeles Airport Marriott.
According to the DWC, this event is the largest workers’ compensation training program in the state, providing claims administrators, medical providers, attorneys, rehabilitation counselors, employers, human resources professionals, and others with the opportunity to stay informed on the latest system developments. Attendees can engage in face-to-face networking with peers and gain insights on current topics from a diverse panel of experts, including representatives from the DWC, other state and public agencies, and the private sector.
The DWC has applied for continuing educational credits for from certifying organizations for attorneys, rehabilitation counselors, case managers, disability management professionals, human resources specialists, and qualified medical examiners, among others.
This author will attend the conference in Oakland, and I hope to see you there!
This Bulletin was written by Steve Rosendin, Associate Partner in our San Francisco office. A copy of this Bulletin and the most current twelve months are available on our website at www.mulfil.com/bulletins.
