Dissatisfied with the manner in which SCIF was handling the claim, Tri-Spur retained counsel who demanded that SCIF substitute him as attorney of record for Tri-Spur in the compensation proceeding. The attorney also unsuccessfully sought payment from SCIF of his fees as purported Cumis counsel for Tri-Spur. Thereafter, counsel for Tri-Spur served SCIF with a subpoena for all of SCIF's records and reports pertaining to Mason. In exchange for these promises by SCIF to defend against and pay legitimate claims, Tri-Spur has contractually given SCIF the right to investigate and settle such claims, and has promised to cooperate with and assist SCIF as requested in the investigation, settlement or defense of any claim. Thus, because SCIF has accepted the obligation to pay any benefits awarded [*10] to Mason in the compensation proceeding, Tri-Spur is not in a position of inherent conflict with SCIF.

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