| JJCC Hill (WPB) Andy Borah (9-11-24) – Awarded significantly reduced attorney’s fees/costs of $18,763.67. The claimant filed a Petition seeking authorization of psychiatrist located closer to the claimant’s residence. The parties came to a compromise by finding an alternative psychiatrist willing to provide his services via Zoom. This occurred more than 30 days after filing of the PFB. The JCC held that although the alternate doctor was farther away from the claimant geographically, the basis of the request was for an alternate doctor; therefore the JCC found there was fee entitlement. The E/C had stipulated to the Claimant’s counsel’s fee entitlement for obtaining indemnity benefits. Claimant’s counsel alleged incurring 137 hours for obtaining the benefits that he had fee entitlement for and asked for a $375-400 hourly rate, whereas E/C counsel argued that an hourly rate of $350 was more appropriate. JCC awarded $350/hour for 50.5 hours, totaling $17,675.00. Click here to view Order |