Jones v. Royalty Foods, Inc.

In this workers’ compensation appeal, Stanley Jones, claimant, argues that the Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) erred in dismissing his petitions for benefits as a sanction for nonpayment of an earlier award of prevailing party costs to Royal Foods, Inc., and Gallagher Bassett Services (jointly the Employer/Carrier). Because the JCC did not find that the claimant’s conduct was willful, deliberate or contumacious, we agree and reverse.1

Background

On February 11, 2008, claimant sustained a compensable injury to his left shoulder. The Employer/Carrier provided medical treatment for the left…