Opinion ID: 2633375
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Was the Industrial Commission's award of attorney fees arbitrary and capricious?

Text: Seiniger argues that the Industrial Commission's award was arbitrary and capricious because the Commission's order did not include an analysis of the various factors listed in Hogaboom v. Economy Mattress, 107 Idaho 13, 684 P.2d 990 (1984). Those factors are similar to the factors that courts are required to consider when determining the amount to award in attorney fees. I.R.C.P. 54(e)(3). Although a court when awarding attorney fees is required to consider the factors listed in Rule 54(e)(3), it need not specifically address each factor, nor need it make specific findings showing how each factor entered into its decision. Perkins v. U.S. Transformer West, 132 Idaho 427, 974 P.2d 73 (1999); Brinkman v. Aid Insurance Company, 115 Idaho 346, 766 P.2d 1227 (1988). Likewise, although the Industrial Commission must consider the factors listed in the Hogaboom case along with any other relevant factors when fixing the amount of attorney fees to be awarded under Idaho Code § 72-804, the Commission is not required to specifically address each factor, nor is it required to make specific findings showing how each factor entered into its decision. In this case, Seiniger represented the Claimant under a contingent fee agreement, although he did not make the terms of that agreement a part of the record. In its final order, the Industrial Commission stated that it had considered the Hogaboom case, the fact that Seiniger was representing the Claimant under a contingent fee agreement, and all facts and circumstances available to the Commission. It then concluded that a reasonable attorney fee was 30% of the benefits awarded to the claimant. The Industrial Commission's decision was not arbitrary and capricious.