Proposal Would Require Agency to Pay Workers' Attorney Fees

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 | 0

A draft bill would require North Dakota’s workers’ compensation agency to pay an injured worker’s legal bills if the worker successfully appeals an agency decision and wins at any appellate level.

State Sen. Nicole Poolman

Prairie Public Broadcasting said the measure would require North Dakota Workforce Safety and Insurance to cover attorney fees even if the agency ultimately prevails.

Currently, WSI pays attorney fees only if the worker ultimately prevails, the radio station said.

State Sen. Nicole Poolman, who chairs the Workers’ Compensation Review Committee, said lawyers were reluctant to take on injured workers’ cases because of cost.

“We hope this will help people find an attorney if they want to challenge or appeal a ruling from WSI,” Poolman told Prairie Public Broadcasting.