Practice Areas
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION DEFENSE
Samuelsen, Gonzalez, Valenzuela & Brown has been representing employers, third party administrators, and their insurance companies for more than sixty years. SGVB specializes in the defense of claims brought pursuant to the California Labor Code for on-the-job injuries and industrial diseases of all types, including asbestos. The firm also handles the defense of claims brought against employers under Labor Code §132(a), as well as for Serious & Willful Misconduct under Labor Code §4553
DEFENSE BASE ACT
Samuelsen, Gonzalez, Valenzuela & Brown's attorneys bring their longstanding expertise with the Longhshore Act to bear in its handling of cases under the Defense Base Act. SGVB has attorneys across the country handling DBA cases from around the globe. DBA case handling is focused on high quality work, responsive customer service, and pragmatic solutions for cost containment and progressing our clients' long-term goals and programs.
LONGSHORE AND HARBOR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Samuelsen, Gonzalez, Valenzuela & Brown also has a long history of involvement with maritime related claims under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act before the United States Department of Labor - Office of Administrative Law Judges. That practice encompasses defense of employers in compensation cases under federal Longshore & Harbor law, as well as its several extensions. The firm is uniquely qualified in handling matters involving concurrent jurisdiction between federal Longshore & Harbor law and the California Labor Code, which requires intimate knowledge of the substantive and procedural intricacies of both forums and how they interrelate.
SUBROGATION
In addition, the firm handles civil subrogation claims pursuant to Labor Code §3852 in Superior Courts throughout Southern California. Handling of subrogation claims includes coordination of the employer’s credit and reimbursement rights with defense of the underlying compensation cases. SGVB promotes a global approach to claims in which third party liability caused the industrial injury.
AGGRESSIVE LIEN UNIT
Samuelsen, Gonzalez, Valenzuela & Brown’s Lien Unit consists of highly skilled individuals who focus only on lien negotiation and settlement. Our Lien Unit prides themselves on quick resolution of all liens, targeting closure of files within 30 to 60 days of receipt.
