Opinion ID: 2548987
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: should reichert receive attorney fees on appeal and in the underlying proceedings?

Text: American asserts that Reichert's argument for attorney fees pursuant to I.C. § 41-1839 should be denied because there is no amount justly due under the terms of the contract. The district court stayed the award of attorney fees until more information was known. An insurer has thirty (30) days after proof of loss has been submitted to pay an amount justly due under the terms of the contract, otherwise the insured is entitled to an award of attorney fees. I.C. § 41-1839(1). The amount justly due under the contract can only be determined in retrospect. Brinkman v. Aid Ins. Co., 115 Idaho 346, 350, 766 P.2d 1227, 1232 (1988). Amount justly due means either an amount determined by an arbitrator or after trial. Martin v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 138 Idaho 244, 248, 61 P.3d 601, 605 (2002). American did not tender an amount justly due under the policy within thirty days of the proof of loss therefore reasonable attorney fees should be awarded to Reichert pursuant to I.C. § 41-1839. On remand the district court should determine a reasonable amount of attorney fees after the case is fully resolved.