Commission Can't Ignore Barriers Facing Itinerant Worker Requesting Extension

The Alaska Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the state Workers’ Compensation Commission wrongfully denied an extension of time for a self-represented litigant to file an appeal, without explanation or acknowledgment of his language limitations and his work schedule as an itinerant laborer. Felipe Espindola had suffered injuries in 2009 and 2012 while working for Peter Pan Seafoods. Peter Pan controverted Espindola's workers' compensation claims. The Alaska Workers' Compensation Board held a hearing in August 2017. Espindola participated without an attorney. On Sept. 20...