Fees Can't Be Assessed on Carrier for Allegedly Unreasonable Delay in Authorizing Surgery

The Montana Workers’ Compensation Court ruled that an insurance carrier was not liable for the payment of attorney fees for its allegedly unreasonable delay in authorizing surgery.   Case: Sikkema v. Liberty Northwest Insurance Co., No. 2017-4034, 09/26/2017. Facts: Diane Sikkema filed a workers’ compensation claim for injuries to her knee and foot in 2008. The Liberty Northwest Insurance Co. accepted liability for her injuries and paid benefits. In 2014, Sikkema and Liberty settled the indemnity portion of her claim, but the medical portion was left open. In 2017, Dr. Mar...