Opinion ID: 2585441
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: defendant's motions

Text: ¶ 13 Defendant's motion for oral argument is denied. ¶ 14 Defendant's motion for appeal-related attorney's fees pursuant to 12 O.S. § 936 and 36 O.S. § 3629(B) is denied. Defendant is not entitled to fees under § 936 because that section is not applicable to this insurance coverage dispute. Globe & Republic Ins. Co. of America v. Independent Trucking Co., 1963 OK 274, 387 P.2d 644, 647. Nor is defendant entitled to fees under § 3629 in this case. Section 3629 states that fees to the prevailing party in an insurance coverage dispute are allowable. [5] However, one of the stated prerequisites within § 3629(B) is that the insurer submit a written offer of settlement or rejection of the claim to the insured within ninety (90) days of receipt of a proof of loss. In this case, defendant's motion for attorney's fees did not demonstrate that defendant submitted a written offer of settlement or rejection of the claim to plaintiffs within ninety days of receipt of a proof of loss. ¶ 15 Defendant also seeks its appeal-related costs pursuant to 12 O.S. § 929. Defendant requests reimbursement for photocopies and delivery costs. These costs are treated as overhead and are not recoverable. Oklahoma Turnpike Authority v. New, 853 P.2d 765, 765 (Okla.1993). Defendant also requests reimbursement of a $100.00 fee for designation of the record and a $5.00 certification fee, both paid to the Tulsa County District Court. Fees paid to the district court are not recoverable in this court. Chamberlin v. Chamberlin, 1986 OK 30, 720 P.2d 721. Finally, defendant requests reimbursement of its $200.00 filing fee in this court. This filing fee, required by 20 O.S. 2001 § 15, is recoverable pursuant to 12 O.S. 2001 § 978 by the successful appellant. Wilson v. Glancy, 1995 OK 141, 913 P.2d 286. Defendant's motion for appeal-related costs is granted only to the extent of $200.00 to be recovered against plaintiffs, and otherwise denied.