Allstate Insurance Co. v. Bollard

This appeal is brought by an insurance carrier from a final judgment entered on an Application for Rule Nisi to enforce a workers’ compensation order.

A carrier may not defend against a rule nisi application by showing that it is justified in unilaterally suspending compensation. A justification defense which goes to the merits of the case is beyond the jurisdiction of the circuit court to consider. The sole inquiry on a rule nisi application is whether the compensation order is in full force and effect. “The claimant is entitled to have such order enforced until the order has been modified by…