Bohn v. Industrial Com'n of Arizona

OPINION.

MARTONE, Justice.

¶ 1 We are asked to decide whether forfeiture of workers’ compensation benefits is the consequence of a violation of A.R.S. § 23-1023(C) even where the claim for compensation has been denied. We hold that it is not. Instead, if the compensation provider challenges the value of the unapproved, settlement, the burden of proof is on the claimant to prove that he or she compromised the claim for a reasonable amount. Absent such proof, the provider’s credit shall be increased to the amount of a reasonable settlement.

I

¶2 Eric Bohn filed a timely workers’ compensation claim…