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California Applicants' Attorneys Association

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California Applicants' Attorneys Association

Since 1966, the California Applicants’ Attorneys Association has dedicated itself to helping Californians that get hurt on the job heal and get back to work.

When you get hurt on the job, you need medical care and a way to pay bills until you can heal and get back to work. So state government created Workers’ Compensation in order for you to “apply” for benefits that you’re already entitled to and that your employer already paid for. But the slow-moving, inefficient, and complex state bureaucracy cheats employers out of what they paid for, rewards shad

y insurers, and empowers anonymous out-of-state physicians to reject your company-doctor’s orders. The system is failing Californians. Women are subjected to gender bias. Latinos are killed and injured more than others. Asians are blocked by language barriers. And African Americans are denied because of genetics.

08/05/2026

Now Available: The CAAA Practice Library

We're excited to announce the launch of the CAAA Practice Library a growing collection of practical resources exclusively for CAAA Regular Members.

The Practice Library is designed to help Applicants' Attorneys save time, strengthen their advocacy, and access trusted materials when they need them. The library includes a wide range of sample forms, letters and petitions, and in the future will include trial and appellate briefs that can be adapted to support your workers' compensation practice.

Whether you're preparing a filing, responding to a complex issue, or looking for a starting point on a new matter, the Practice Library provides ready-to-use resources developed specifically for the needs of a practitioner.

You can access the Practice Library by selecting "For Members" from the navigation menu on the CAAA.org website and choosing "Practice Library," or by clicking the Practice Library button on the home page.

Special thanks to Ryan Vego, Esq. and the CAAA Membership Committee for their leadership in developing this valuable new member resource.

Explore the Practice Library today and discover another way your CAAA membership is working for you!

08/03/2026

Charges Against California Labor Leader David Huerta Dismissed

More than a year after his arrest during an immigration enforcement protest in Los Angeles, federal prosecutors have moved to dismiss the remaining criminal charge against California labor leader David Huerta. Huerta, president of SEIU United Service Workers West, was arrested during a June 2025 protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Los Angeles' garment district. After initially charging him with a felony conspiracy offense, prosecutors later reduced the case to a misdemeanor before ultimately seeking dismissal with prejudice.

The prosecution drew widespread attention throughout California's labor community because of Huerta's prominent role representing thousands of janitors, security officers, airport workers, and other union workers across the state. Video captured by bystanders show a federal agent shoving Huerta to the ground while his hands were on his hips, causing him to hit his head on the pavement. His violent arrest resulted in him receiving medical treatment and prompted heated criticism from labor organizations and elected officials who argued that the case threatened the rights of workers and advocates to peacefully observe and protest government actions. The dismissal follows a series of unsuccessful federal prosecutions arising from demonstrations against immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles.

"This means the government is finally admitting what we knew from day one and what was obvious to anyone who saw the videos: the charge against me was baseless, meant to intimidate anyone who dares to speak out, organize, or demand justice," Huerta said in a statement following the Justice Department's decision. "There was never a real case, only an attempt to punish and silence me for exercising my constitutional rights."

Huerta's attorneys also characterized the dismissal as an important reaffirmation of constitutional protections. "This case showed the DOJ was willing to pursue charges against a labor leader and then abandon them once they couldn't withstand scrutiny," they said. "That is not how a justice system is supposed to work." Federal prosecutors, meanwhile, maintained that the Department of Justice does not prosecute individuals for peacefully protesting and stated that the dismissal was reached by agreement of the parties.

This case highlights the close relationship between organized labor and the legal protections afforded to working people, including the ability of workers and their advocates to engage in protected activity without fear of retaliation. The dismissal closes one of the highest-profile cases stemming from the 2025 immigration enforcement protests and is likely to remain a significant point of discussion within California's labor movement.

07/27/2026

Meta's AI Layoff Lawsuit to Test California's New AI Workplace Protections

A group of 26 current and former Meta (Facebook) employees has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Oakland alleging that the company's use of artificial intelligence in selecting employees for layoffs disproportionately harmed workers with disabilities, employees who took protected medical leave, and pregnant workers. The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to halt layoffs that began on July 22 while they pursue their claims, arguing that Meta's evaluation systems effectively punished employees for exercising rights guaranteed under state and federal law.

According to the complaint, Meta used a collection of AI driven tools to score and rank employees, including productivity metrics, and systems that analyzed workplace communications and computer activity, like keystroke, email, and browser trackers. The lawsuit alleges these systems failed to account for periods of approved leave, resulting in lower performance scores for employees who were recovering from injuries, caring for family members, or managing serious medical conditions. The complaint states that "employees who took protected leave were disproportionately selected for layoff" by an AI scoring system that effectively penalized workers for exercising legally protected rights. Among the plaintiffs are a scientist who was notified of her layoff just two days before giving birth while on approved pregnancy leave, an engineer who alleges his performance rating declined after taking leave for an injury, and a manager who says he was terminated only 16 days into an approved medical leave.

The allegations come less than a year after California enacted regulations specifically designed to prevent this type of discrimination. Regulations adopted by the California Civil Rights Council last October clarify that employers violate existing antidiscrimination laws when automated decision systems produce discriminatory outcomes based on protected characteristics, including disability. The rules were developed following years of public hearings and stakeholder input to address growing concerns that AI and algorithmic decision making could reinforce workplace bias. The rules require employers to retain automated decision-making records for at least four years while confirming that any AI based employment assessment be subject to California's longstanding civil rights protections.

Meta has denied the allegations, maintaining that workforce decisions were made by people rather than artificial intelligence. The litigation represents one of the first major legal challenges to the use of AI in workforce reductions and may become an important test of California's efforts to ensure technological innovation does not come at the expense of workers' civil rights. The case also reinforces that employers cannot avoid liability simply because employment decisions are influenced by artificial intelligence.

07/20/2026

Governor Signs Bill Making Workers' Compensation Debit Card Program Permanent

An optional method for receiving workers’ compensation indemnity benefits will remain available to injured workers after Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1683 into law last week. The measure permanently authorizes a program that was originally established as a pilot in 2018 and removes language that would have caused the authorization to expire at the beginning of 2027. As under existing law, injured workers must provide written consent before receiving benefits through a prepaid debit card, and consumer protections remain in place, including the ability to withdraw the full balance without fees and reasonable access to in-network ATMs.

The legislation follows a recommendation from the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC), which concluded in a February 2026 report that the pilot program should be made permanent. The State Compensation Insurance Fund adopted the program during the pilot period and reported that more than 10,000 injured workers enrolled in the prepaid debit card option. The Assembly Insurance Committee’s Analysis observed that State Fund's participation provided a meaningful test of the program, given its role as California's largest workers' compensation insurer with tens of thousands of policyholders statewide.

The measure moved through the Legislature without opposition, passing the Assembly on a 66-0 vote after the Assembly Appropriations Committee determined its fiscal impact would likely be minor and absorbable for the Division of Workers' Compensation. The legislation does not alter injured workers' entitlement to benefits or the existing safeguards governing how those benefits are delivered. Instead, it preserves an optional payment method while maintaining the requirement that participation remains voluntary and subject to the consumer protections established in the original 2018 law.

Also signed last week was budget trailer bill SB 171, which enacts an overhaul of the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF). The measure substantially revises the Labor Code provisions governing SIBTF claims by narrowing eligibility, establishing strict procedural deadlines, and creating new evidentiary requirements. CAAA is actively analyzing these changes and their impact on injured workers while providing guidance and educational resources for members.

07/13/2026

Governor's Return-to-Office Mandate Begins for California State Workers

Beginning this month, thousands of California state employees are returning to the office under a new statewide policy requiring four in-office workdays as the default for agencies. The return-to-office mandate, which took effect July 1, is expected to affect roughly 109,000 state employees who had previously been working under two-day hybrid schedules. Governor Gavin Newsom's administration who has championed this policy, said it is intended to strengthen collaboration, accountability, and innovation across state government.

The return-to-office mandate has generated significant protest and discussion among employee organizations and workplace experts. In May, Service Employees International Union Local 1000 filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge with the Public Employment Relations Board challenging the implementation of the mandate. While PERB has issued a formal complaint allowing the case to proceed, the legal challenge will not delay implementation, and affected employees are expected to comply with the new schedule while the matter is pending.

Questions have also emerged about whether Sacramento’s existing office infrastructure is prepared to support a larger in-person workforce. A 2025 report from the California State Auditor found the administration had not collected sufficient data on workplace performance, service delivery, office space needs, or costs before expanding in-office requirements. The report also concluded the state could potentially save as much as $225 million annually by maintaining a two-day hybrid model and reducing its office footprint by approximately 30 percent, highlighting the financial considerations surrounding long-term workplace planning.

The return to office mandate may also have implications for the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board as state offices across California adjust to increased in person staffing. While the mandate does not alter the Board's current use of CourtCall and other remote proceedings, CAAA will be watching closely to see whether a greater in office presence influences future decisions regarding conference calendars, hearing procedures, or the balance between remote and in person appearances. Any changes in those practices will have a direct impact on the day-to-day administration of California's workers' compensation system.

07/06/2026

As California's wine industry faces ongoing economic challenges, production workers at Rodney Strong Vineyards in Healdsburg have launched one of the most significant union organizing efforts the industry has seen in more than 40 years. More than 60 production employees signed a petition seeking voluntary union recognition, citing concerns over wages, rising health insurance costs, layoffs, and the increasing cost of living. The campaign reflects the growing pressure many workers face as declining wine sales and industry consolidation reshape one of California's signature agricultural sectors.

The organizing effort follows recent layoffs that have left many workers concerned about their own job security. Employees in the Cellar, Barrels, Bottling, Warehousing, Lab, and Maintenance Departments say they are seeking a stronger voice in workplace decisions and greater stability for the workforce that has helped build the winery's long-standing success. Union representation remains relatively uncommon in the wine industry, making this campaign a notable development for California labor advocates.

Workers initially requested that the company recognize the union through a card check neutrality agreement after a majority of production employees signed authorization cards. Rodney Strong declined that request, stating that any organizing effort should proceed through the National Labor Relations Board's secret-ballot election process. The workers will now seek an NLRB election, the next step under federal labor law for determining whether employees wish to be represented by a union.

For advocates of working Californians, the campaign highlights the continuing importance of protecting workers' ability to organize and advocate collectively for fair wages, affordable benefits, and safe, stable workplaces. As economic pressures continue to affect certain industries across the state, the Rodney Strong effort underscores that workers are increasingly turning to organizing as a means of securing a stronger voice in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods and families.

06/30/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 Summer Convention at the Omni Hotel and Spa in Carlsbad! With over 500 attendees, 12 informative panels, and countless moments of connection and camaraderie, this year's theme of Collaborating, Adapting, Advancing, Advocating was reflected throughout the weekend from the educational programs and networking to the thoughtful discussions shaping the future of California's Workers' Compensation.

Whether you found inspiration in a panel, built new partnerships, or simply enjoyed the beautiful property, we’re grateful you were part of it. Thank you for making this convention both meaningful and memorable. We look forward to seeing you at the next event.

06/22/2026

The debate over the future of California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefit Trust Fund (SIBTF) continued this past week as AB 1576, authored by Assemblymember Liz Ortega, passed the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement on a 4-1 vote. The measure now advances to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The bill arrives amid ongoing discussions about the long-term sustainability of the SIBTF, a program designed to provide benefits to workers who suffer a subsequent industrial injury that, when combined with a preexisting disability, results in significant permanent disability.

At the same time, Governor Gavin Newsom’s Administration is pursuing a separate effort to overhaul the SIBTF through a budget trailer bill, citing rising program costs and an increase in the number of claims. Many stakeholders have argued that such significant policy changes should not be enacted through the budget process, which limits public input and legislative scrutiny. Assemblymember Ortega echoed those concerns in the committee hearing on Wednesday, stating that “reforms of this magnitude should be done transparently, thoughtfully, and through the proper legislative process.” For most, the Legislature remains the appropriate venue for evaluating proposed reforms, weighing competing interests, and ensuring that any changes are fully vetted through the committee process.

Stakeholders remain concerned that a proposal advanced through the budget process could retroactively impact thousands of injured workers whose SIBTF claims are currently pending and ready for adjudication. Workers who relied on existing law when pursuing their claims should not face the loss or reduction of benefits due to changes enacted after their cases were filed. Any discussion regarding the future of the SIBTF should preserve due process and ensure that reforms are applied prospectively rather than to claims already moving through the system. As AB 1576 continues through the legislative process, the debate underscores the importance of transparency, and legislative deliberation when considering changes that could affect California’s most seriously disabled workers.

06/19/2026

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day marking the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating the pursuit of freedom, equality, and justice. As advocates for injured workers, CAAA recognizes the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of all working people and reflects on the progress made and the work that remains. Happy Juneteenth.

06/15/2026

California Lawmakers Consider Revisions to Professional Athlete Claims

California lawmakers are considering legislation that would restrict workers’ compensation rights for professional athletes. Senate Bill 795, introduced by Senator Laura Richardson, would narrow the circumstances under which professional athletes can pursue cumulative trauma claims in California. Owners of professional sports teams in California characterize the proposal as a refinement of existing law, but the players’ association (NFLPA) argue that it would further erode protections for workers whose careers routinely expose them to repetitive physical trauma and long-term occupational injuries.

Current law, established through AB 1309 in 2013, requires professional athletes seeking cumulative trauma benefits to demonstrate that they spent at least 20 percent of their duty days in California during the final 365 days of employment with the employer against whom the claim is filed. SB 795 would alter that standard by measuring the 20 percent threshold against the final 365 days of an athlete’s entire professional career. Additionally, the bill seeks to rewrite LC3600.5 in an overall attempt to further restrict California workers’ compensation jurisdiction for professional athletes, one such example of that is athletes who spent substantial portions of their careers competing and sustaining injuries in California could lose access to the state's workers’ compensation system because they finished their careers with an out-of-state team.

One aspect of the proposed legislation that has drawn particular attention is how it will be applied to active and pending claims. According to the NFLPA, SB 795 would apply not only to future claims but also to active and pending cases still moving through California’s workers’ compensation system. The players’ union maintains that athletes who filed claims under the existing legal framework could see their eligibility affected if the bill becomes law before those cases are finalized.

The NFLPA has opposed the measure, asserting that professional athletes should not face additional hurdles and barriers to accessing workers compensation benefits. The union has been joined by both the National Hockey League Players’ Association and the Major League Soccer Players Association in opposing the bill. As SB 795 moves through the legislative process, stakeholders will continue to monitor the proposal and its potential effect on the availability of workers’ compensation benefits for professional athletes.

Address

1303 J Street, Suite 420
Sacramento, CA
95814

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Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19164445155

Website

http://www.caaa.org/

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