Wcab

We issued a writ of review to consider whether the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (Board) erred by denying a petition to transfer venue to Santa Barbara County as requested by the employer’s insurer, State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF). We conclude that Labor Code section 5501.5, subdivision (c) mandates that venue be changed from San Luis Obispo County to Santa Barbara County.

We direct Board to annul its decision denying the petition for change of venue and to substitute in its place an order granting the petition so the matter may be heard in Santa Barbara County.

Facts and Procedural History

Don Kerr sought workers’ compensation benefits for an industrial injury to his hip. The application states he lives in Lompoc, his employer’s business, Domino’s Pizza, is located in Lompoc, he was injured in Lompoc-, his attorney’s principal office is in Santa Maria, and the employer’s insurer is located in Oxnard. All of these places are in Santa Barbara County except for employer’s insurer, which is in Ventura County. Nonetheless, Kerr filed his claim in San Luis Obispo County.

SCIF filed an informal petition to transfer venue to the Goleta district office, which…