Michelle Hester

The Law Firm of Friedman + Bartoumian specializes in the defense of claims for workers' compensation benefits. We provide representation through and to insurers, third-party claim administrators and self-insured employers. We continuously challenge ourselves to achieve the most expedient claim resolutions, reductions to legal costs and protections against future legal risks for our clients. We use best-in-class practices and tools, and value a collaborative approach with our clients. Recognition of applicant and vendor fraud is a high priority. We aggressively litigate liens through our dedicated in-house team known as the "Lien Machine!" Our clients encompass a wide range of employers and industries, with emphasis in the fields of healthcare, hospitality, construction, transportation, staffing and public agencies. F+B attorneys appear daily at all venues of the California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. We are recognized by the judiciary, opposing attorneys and other stakeholders as having deep, substantive legal knowledge, sharp analytical abilities and excellent trial skills. Our expertise includes the business side of workers' compensation insurance. We provide representation as to coverage disputes, underwriting questions, premium collection and regulatory compliance before the California Department of Insurance, the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California, the California Self-Insurers' Security Fund and the Department of Industrial Relations. Our practice in the area of third-party subrogation compliments our claims defense work. We pledge to remain a resource of trust and integrity to our clients and to the community at large. We further pledge to remain an equal opportunity employer guided by the principles of tolerance, inclusiveness, diversity and equality.