Law Offices of William F. Souza v. Truly Nolen, Inc.,/ Crawford etc.

In this workers’ compensation case, Claimant’s former attorney, William Souza, challenges the Judge of Compensation Claims’- (JCC’s) order compelling him to file a verified motion for attorneys’ fees and costs in accordance with a motion filed by the Employer/Servicing Agent (E/SA). Because the JCC lacked subject matter jurisdiction to grant the E/SA’s motion to compel, we reverse.

Factual Background

In 2008, the JCC entered a final order finding Claimant had settled his workers’ compensation cases and dismissing all of Claimant’s pending petitions for benefits (PFBs). Claimant filed an appeal,…