Judge in <i>Sierra Pacific</i> Sweetens Doctor's Award

A Sacramento workers' compensation judge awarded interest and a $964 late-payment penalty on top of $6,400 to the doctor at the center of the topsy-turvy Sierra Pacific fee dispute. Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge Robert Thiessen on Tuesday issued a new order that will cost self-insured Sierra Pacific Industries slightly more than the $6,430 he awarded in April. When the employer requested reconsideration, the judge vacated his order and directed the parties to brief certain issues raised by the defense. Tuesday's order also denied Sierra Pacific approximately $600 in cos...