Johnson v. Workmen's Compensation Appeals Board

Opinion

TOBRINER, J.

Petitioner Jean Johnson seeks review of an order of the Workmen’s Compensation Appeals Board dismissing, on its own motion and before the filing of any responsive pleading, her application for death benefits, on the ground that her husband entered into a compromise and release of all claims, including those of his dependents.

We shall explain why we have held, contrary to petitioner’s contentions, (1) that Labor Code section 5000, subdivision (b), authorizes an employee to release claims of his dependents; (2) that Labor Code section 5000, subdivision (b), does not deny…