Chris joined the firm in 2011 and became a shareholder in 2017. Chris received his designation as a Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist by the State Bar of California in 2020. Prior to joining Cuneo, Black, Ward & Missler, Chris was a law clerk with the City of Sacramento. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Workers’ Compensation Professionals since 2012 and regularly speaks at industry events.

Primary Focus

Chris concentrates primarily on workers’ compensation defense cases, defending and advising insurance carriers, self-insured employers, public entities including cities and counties and third-party administrators on workers’ compensation matters including Serious and Willful, 132a discrimination and asbestos claims.

Self-insured Employers/High Deductible Policies

Chris has worked extensively with clients that are self-insured or that have high-deductible policies. These clients face a number of unique – and sometimes daunting – challenges in connection with workers’ compensation claims. Chris has experience formulating and coordinating litigation strategies with both the claims adjustor and employer representative.

Public Safety Officers

Handling cases that involve police officers and other first responders is unique given the various presumption statutes. Chris has experience working on complex cases involving these types of injuries and illnesses. He understands the intricacies involved and can utilize his expertise to help minimize the employer’s exposure.

Early Resolution

Chris encourages early resolution on all cases as it is generally in his client’s best interest to close the claim as soon as possible. He frequently resolves claims via Compromise and Release at the applicant’s deposition. The next step is to obtain settlement approval, generally on a walk-through basis. Chris has experience doing “walk-throughs” at nearly all the Northern California WCAB offices.