Vasquez v. Magnuson Tire Pros (2024 Cal. Wrk. Comp. P.D. LEXIS 49)

The WCAB upheld a decision ordering the proceeds of an award to be paid to a trust account created for an applicant, who became unavailable before a Findings and Award was issued in his favor.

The defendant petitioned for suspension of payment on the award when the payments were not cashed nor returned.

The WCAB determined that holding the money in trust for the applicant was more appropriate, because the money from the award belonged to the applicant, not the defendant.

In addition, the defendant was ordered to provide quarterly accounting of the account and its efforts to locate the applicant. The WCAB added that the defendant maintained the right to bring a new petition after having made further documented efforts to locate the applicant.