Carrier's Belated Payment of Settlement Doesn't Warrant Penalties

The Montana Workers’ Compensation Court ruled that a worker was not entitled to penalties for a carrier’s belated payment of a settlement. Scott Simone suffered injuries in December 2022 while working for an employer with workers’ compensation coverage from Old Republic Insurance Co. In 2025, Simone entered into a settlement with Old Republic. The settlement provided that a lump sum of $42,014.91 would be paid to him via his attorney within 30 days of approval. The Montana Workers’ Compensation Court signed off on the settlement on April 28, 2025. On May 20, 202...