Zevallos v. Employ Bridge: TPD, MRIs, and Specialist Evaluations Awarded

In Ivonne Zevallos v. Employ Bridge, LLC/Broadspire Services, Inc. and XL Insurance America, OJCC Case No. 25-017669ERA, Judge Edward Almeyda addressed claims for temporary partial disability, average weekly wage, updated thoracic and lumbar MRIs, continued orthopedic spine care, and evaluations by urology, gastroenterology, and neurology after a March 19, 2025 workplace accident involving falling boxes.

The employer/carrier accepted the thoracic and lumbar spine as compensable but argued the claimant had reached MMI, returned to baseline, and did not need further accident-related care. The JCC rejected the MMI defense after finding Dr. Weiss more persuasive on the claimant's ongoing symptoms and work status, and also noting that the employer/carrier's own IME, Dr. Schechter, recommended updated thoracic and lumbar MRI studies.

The order sets the claimant's average weekly wage at $457.50 rather than the requested $610.00, but awards TPD from June 18, 2025 forward, subject to that AWW and the absence of earnings. It also orders the employer/carrier to authorize thoracic and lumbar MRIs, continued treatment with an orthopedic spine specialist, and evaluations by a gastroenterologist, urologist, and neurologist, with penalties, interest, fees, and costs addressed as provided by law.

Source: Compensation Order