Opinion ID: 884004
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: issues

Text: Is Chaney entitled to attorney fees and costs? Chaney contends that he is entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs pursuant to § 39-71-611, MCA (1983), which provides: In the event an insurer denies liability for a claim for compensation ... and the claim is later adjudged compensable by the workers' compensation judge or on appeal, the insurer shall pay reasonable costs and attorneys' fees as established by the workers' compensation judge. In this case, Owens' insurer, USF & G, denied liability for benefits which have now been adjudged compensable. Therefore, we conclude that Chaney is entitled to attorney fees and costs and we remand to the Workers' Compensation Court for a determination of reasonable attorney fees and costs. For these reasons, we reverse the order and judgment of the Workers' Compensation Court. TURNAGE, C.J., and GRAY, NELSON and LEAPHART, JJ., concur.