Montana Code Annotated 1997

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     39-71-611. Costs and attorneys' fees payable on denial of claim or termination of benefits later found compensable. (1) The insurer shall pay reasonable costs and attorney fees as established by the workers' compensation court if:
     (a) the insurer denies liability for a claim for compensation or terminates compensation benefits;
     (b) the claim is later adjudged compensable by the workers' compensation court; and
     (c) in the case of attorneys' fees, the workers' compensation court determines that the insurer's actions in denying liability or terminating benefits were unreasonable.
     (2) A finding of unreasonableness against an insurer made under this section does not constitute a finding that the insurer acted in bad faith or violated the unfair trade practices provisions of Title 33, chapter 18.

     History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 477, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 173, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 92-616(part); amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 63, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 16, Ch. 464, L. 1987.

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