MEEKS v. GUARANTEE INSURANCE COMPANY

¶ 1 The administrative law judge used the appropriate statutory power to assure the insurer/employer paid what the WCC ordered. Without question the insurer/employer is required to pay that amount. As in this ease, the judge assessed a penalty and the amount ordered was paid, including the penalty. I would reinforce the principle that the judge has the contempt power to insure compliance with the judge’s orders. I depart from the majority in expanding “bad faith” to workers’ compensation proceedings.

¶2 I continue to hold my view as expressed in the dissent attached to Sizemore v. Continental…