Findings From Comp Proceedings Not Binding in Worker's Bad-Faith Action Against Carrier

The Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that findings of fact and conclusions of law in a workers' compensation proceeding concerning issues other than compensability and benefits are not binding on an insurance company in the injured worker's subsequent bad-faith claim against the insurer. Aaron Madalena was an installer for SunTalk Solar. He reported a back injury to his employer in October 2015. SunTalk reported the injury to its workers’ compensation carrier, Zurich American Insurance Co., and its claims administrator, Gallagher Bassett Services Inc. After investigating...