Montana Code Annotated
Part 6. Claims for Benefits
39-71-614. Calculation of attorney fees -- limitation

39-71-614. Calculation of attorney fees -- limitation. (1) The amount of an attorney's fee assessed against an insurer under 39-71-611 or 39-71-612 must be based exclusively on the time spent by the attorney in representing the claimant on the issues brought to hearing. The attorney must document the time spent, but the judge is not bound by the documentation submitted.
(2) The judge shall determine a reasonable attorney fee and assess costs. The hourly rate applied to the time spent must be based on the attorney's customary and current hourly rate for legal work performed in this state, subject to a maximum established by the department.
(3) This section does not restrict a claimant and an attorney from entering into a contingency fee arrangement under which the attorney receives a percentage of the amount of compensation payments received by the claimant because of the efforts of the attorney. However, an amount equal to any fee and costs assessed against an insurer under 39-71-611 or 39-71-612 and this section must be deducted from the fee an attorney is entitled to from the claimant under a contingency fee arrangement.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 575, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 19, Ch. 464, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 64, Ch. 613, L. 1989.

<< Previous
Next >>

Structure Montana Code Annotated

Montana Code Annotated

Title 39. Labor

Chapter 71. Workers' Compensation

Part 6. Claims for Benefits

39-71-601. Statute of limitation on presentment of claim -- waiver

39-71-602. Statute of limitation not to apply during minority or mental incompetency unless guardian appointed

39-71-603. Notice of injuries other than death to be submitted within 30 days -- exception

39-71-604. Application for compensation -- disclosure and communication without prior notice of health care information

39-71-605. Examination of employee by physician -- effect of refusal to submit to examination -- report and testimony of physician -- cost

39-71-606. Insurer to accept or deny claim within 30 days of receipt -- notice of benefits and entitlements to claimants -- notice of denial -- notice of reopening -- notice to employer -- employer's right to loss information

39-71-607. Suspension of payments by insurer pending receipt of medical information

39-71-608. Payments within 30 days by insurer without admission of liability or waiver of defense authorized -- notice -- limitations on payments over 90 days

39-71-609. Denial of claim after payments made or termination of all benefits or reduction to partial benefits by insurer -- 14-day notice required -- criteria for conversion of benefits

39-71-610. Termination of benefits by insurer -- department order to pay disputed benefits prior to hearing or mediation -- limitation on order -- right of reimbursement

39-71-611. Costs and attorney fees payable on denial of claim or termination of benefits later found compensable -- barring of attorney fees under common fund and other doctrines

39-71-612. Costs and attorney fees that may be assessed against insurer by workers' compensation judge -- barring of attorney fees under common fund or other doctrines

39-71-613. Regulation of attorney fees -- forfeiture of fee for noncompliance -- return of fee when claimant received benefits through fraud or deception

39-71-614. Calculation of attorney fees -- limitation

39-71-615. Payment of medical claims without acceptance of liability