Cooley v. Certified Grocers of Florida

This cause is before us on appeal and cross appeal from an order of the judge of compensation claims (JCC). Claimant James Cooley appeals the JCC’s denial of bad-faith attorney fees relating to the award of permanent total disability benefits. Servicing agent Sedgwick James cross appeals the award of attorney fees based on the JCC’s finding that the suspension in payment of benefits constituted bad faith.

As to Cooley’s appeal, we find competent, substantial evidence in the record to support the JCC’s denial of bad-faith attorney fees. See, e.g., State v. Roberts, 586 So.2d 1262 (Fla. 1st DCA…