Opinion ID: 2756148
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: The Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board fined an uninsured employer a substantial amount because the employer had since 2005 operated for a significant period of time without carrying statutorily required workers’ compensation insurance. This was not the employer’s first failure to carry the required insurance. On appeal, the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Appeals Commission affirmed part of the Board’s decision, but it reversed the Board on the amount of the fine and remanded the case to the Board for further proceedings. The employer then asked the Commission for an award of attorney’s fees as a successful party on appeal. The State, Division of Workers’ Compensation, which had initiated the Board proceedings, opposed the award on the basis that it, too, had been successful on a significant issue. The Commission awarded the employer full fees of approximately $50,000. The Division petitioned for review of the fee award, and we granted review. Because the Commission failed to consider the Division’s partial success in the appeal, we reverse the Commission’s decision and remand for further proceedings.