Do not assume that you have blown the statute of limitations in your workers compensation case! The statute is complicated. So, before you give up, talk to an experienced workers compensation attorney and find out what can be done.
But beware! If you are not vigilant in pursuing your rights under the Alaska Workers Compensation Act, your case – no matter how valid it is – can be dismissed. Here are two recent examples:
Vanderpool v State of Alaska, AWCB Dec. No. 21-0123 (12/28/21)
The Employee’s claim was dismissed because his attorney failed to ask for a hearing before the deadline.
On January 1, 2017, the Employee reported a traumatic injury to multiple parts caused by ice or snow. Two years and one month later, on January 31, 2019, an attorney entered file a claim on his behalf for temporary total disability (TTD), permanent partial impairment (PPI), unfair/frivolous controversion, penalty for late paid benefits, and interest.
On February 28, 2019, the State’s attorney filed a controversion notice denying all benefits. It relied on its “independent” medical evaluation report which stated that he was medically stable and did not sustain a permanent injury.
On October 23, 2019, the Employee’s attorney brought up the topic of a SIME (Second Independent Medical Evaluation) at a prehearing. (For more information about SIMEs, see: Negotiating the Maze III: Second Independent Medical Evaluations (SIME) - Keenan Powell, Attorney at Law. The Employee’s attorney did not file a petition for SIME.
On June 11, 2021, over two years after the Employee’s attorney filed the claim, he sent a letter to the State’s attorney asking the State to agree to a SIME. Note: you don’t need the Employer’s agreement to go forward on a SIME.
On June 16, 20201, the Employer filed a petition to dismiss the Employee’s claim because had failed to request a hearing within two years of the February 28, 2019, post-claim controversion.
On August 17, 2021, the Employee’s attorney filed an ARH (Affidavit of Readiness for Hearing), the document that must be filed no later than two years following the post-claim controversion. It was due on March 3, 2021, so it was five months and 26 days late.
The Board dismissed the Employee’s case, finding:
1. The Employee’s attorney could have filed an ARH on time or a request for additional time to prepare for one – on time. He did not.
2. A SIME is one reason to excuse filing an ARH within two years, but the Employee’s attorney never filed a petition seeking a SIME.
3. The Employee’s attorney’s neglect in failing to file the ARH on time was not excusable.
4. The Employee’s attorney’s claim that he was confused about the deadlines was not reasonable when he had been served with a notice about the deadlines twice.
5. The Employee’s attorney’s failure to calendar his deadlines was not good cause to excuse his failure to request a hearing.
6. The COVID epidemic was not an excuse for meeting the deadline.
You can read the opinion for yourself here: D&O 21-0124 not 21-0123 .pdf (alaska.gov)
Moral of the story: An attorney who isn’t familiar with workers compensation law or procedure, or who isn’t vigilant in pursuing your rights, can destroy your case.
Ducasse v Making Employment Connections, AWCB Dec. No 22-0002 (1/5/2022)
The Employee’s claim was dismissed because her claim was filed late.
On December 19, 2017, the Employee injured her back when wheeling a Hoyer lift with a patient in it around a door. The Employer accepted the work injury and began paying TTD and medical costs.
On December 11, 2018, the Employee received her final TTD payment. On February 14, 2019, the Employee received her final PPI payment. Also on February 14, 2019, the Employer controverted all benefits based on an “independent” medical evaluation.
On August 10, 2021, the Employee’s attorney filed a new claim for TTD, PPI, medical and transportation benefits, fees, costs, and reemployment benefits.
On August 30, 2021, the Employer filed a petition to dismiss the Employee’s TTD claim as it was time-barred, i.e. the statute of limitations had run.
In dismissing the Employee’s case, the Board held:
1. The statute of limitations applies to PPI as well as TTD claims. The Employee could file a claim for additional TTD or PPI no later than two years after the last payment of either benefit.
2. The August 10, 2021, claim had missed both deadlines.
You can read the opinion for yourself here: D&O 22-0002.pdf (alaska.gov)
Moral of the story: You need to be vigilant in pursuing your workers compensation rights.
Keenan Powell has practiced Workers Compensation law in the State of Alaska for over 35 years and has dedicated her practice to Workers Compensation representing injured Alaskans handling hundreds of cases. www.keenanpowell.com.
All consultations are free. To make an appointment, email keenan@keenanpowell.com or call 907 258 7663.