Opinion ID: 2608785
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Right of Contribution and Reimbursement

Text: Aetna contends that the Commission erred in finding that Fireman's Fund has an equitable right of contribution against Aetna for the payment of compensation benefits made to David Brooks. Aetna argues that Fireman's Fund had an adequate remedy at law under I.C. § 72-313, and that it is self-evident that where a party has an adequate remedy at law, equity jurisdiction cannot be invoked to afford a remedy. I.C. § 72-313 provides: Whenever any claim is presented and the claimant's right to compensation is not in issue, but the issue of liability is raised as between an employer and a surety or between two (2) or more employers or sureties, the commission shall order payment of compensation to be made immediately by one or more of such employers or sureties. The commission may order any such employer or surety to deposit the amount of the award or to give such security thereof as may be deemed satisfactory. When the issue if finally resolved, an employer or surety held not liable shall be reimbursed for any such payments by the employer or surety held liable and any deposit or security so made shall be returned. The legislative purpose behind I.C. § 72-313 is to ensure that injured claimants receive immediate compensation whenever the employers or sureties involved contest liability between them. In the instant case, claimant Brooks has received compensation from Fireman's Fund and I.C. § 72-313 does not provide an adequate remedy at law for that surety. Aetna's reliance on I.C. § 72-313 is misplaced and does not foreclose or prevent Fireman's Fund from seeking reimbursement.