Opinion ID: 2519638
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: penalties, interest, attorney's fees and costs

Text: In its July 6, 1997 decision, the Board denied and dismissed Mr. Bauder's claim for penalties and his claim for interest, but awarded him $3,125 in attorney's fees and $1,168.92 in costs under AS 23.30.145(b). In his opening brief, Mr. Bauder requested that the maximum statutory penalties be assessed against the employer, due to the substantial and egregious underpayment, the refusal to pay amounts clearly and undisputedly due, and the failure of the employer to come forward with any substantial evidence to support its controversion or its failure to pay the proper amount of compensation which was due. Indeed, had the employer properly considered Bauder's eligibility under the alternative method of computation of his TTD rate, the problems that are now presented by the lack of detailed records as to the number of days or hours which he worked would not be present. Furthermore, substantial and intentional violations of the statutes and regulations applicable to compensation proceedings have occurred in this case. Therefore, all unpaid amounts should have interest assessed, and all attorney's fees incurred by the employee should be awarded. [171] Mr. Bauder's arguments for penalties, interest, attorney's fees, and costs are dependent on his successful overturning of the Board's decision on the other issues raised in his appeal. Because the court has upheld the Board's decision, there is substantial evidence supporting the Board's conclusions regarding penalties, interest, attorney's fees, and costs.