Lawson v. North Dakota Workmen's Compensation Bureau

GIERKE, Justice.

The North Dakota Workmen’s Compensation Bureau (Bureau) appeals from a decision by the Northwest Judicial District Court, finding that the Bureau’s determination of its obligation for costs under § 65-01-09, N.D.C.C., is unlawful. We affirm.

In August 1984, Richard D. Lawson (Lawson) was injured while employed as a roughneck for Kent Drilling Company, Wil-liston, North Dakota. Shortly thereafter, Lawson filed a claim with the Bureau which was accepted and received benefits totalling $53,662.73.

Lawson then initiated a lawsuit against a third party for his injury, which he…