Piper v. Department of Labor & Industries

— This is an attorney fee dispute arising after a jury found the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (Board) had erred in determining that Tricia Piper’s lung illness was not an occupational disease. The trial court awarded Ms. Piper attorney fees for services rendered both before the Board and the trial court. The Department of Labor & Industries (Department) appealed the fee award as it relates to Board work, contending the award violates RCW 51.52.130 and Supreme Court precedent. Ms. Piper cross-appealed the trial court’s hourly rate decision and its denial of certain travel expenses. We…