Stories by Derek Dowell on Northern California Record

SAN FRANCISCO – The California Supreme Court refused to consider an appeal to the concept of independent medical reviews (IMR) as part of a 2013 workers’ compensation reform push. The issue is not dead, however, as two more legal challenges to the process await hearings.

SAN FRANCISCO – Earlier this year, the 9th Circuit Appellate Court reinforced a lower court decision awarding damages of $9.4 million, payable by the Iranian government, for its alleged sponsorship of the terrorist group behind a suicide bombing in Jerusalem on Sept. 4, 1997.

SACRAMENTO – Despite its reputation as a forward-thinking state, California lags behind eight others in passing legislation to curb asbestos fraud in the form of “double-dipping” lawyers who lodge financial claims against multiple bankruptcy trusts, as well as filing a lawsuit, all in the name of a single client.