The claimant submitted a request for reconsideration arising out of a decision which granted entitlement to some benefits, interest, and an award of 25 percent of the disputed amounts for three treatment plans unreasonably withheld by the insurer. The decision determined the cost of the withheld treatment plans and the percentage to be applied, but the calculation of the award was not completed. There was a dispute over the calculated interest and the award following the decision, and the claimant subsequently retained an accountant who calculated the award to be $10,657.03. The insurer accepted the accountant’s calculation, and made payment. The claimant request payment of the cost of the accounting report, but the insurer refused. As such, the claimant filed a Notice of Motion requesting payment of the disbursement. Vice Chair Hunter denied the motion on the basis that there was no provision for the payment of disbursements within the cost regime contained in Rule 19 of the LAT Rules, and the claimant sought reconsideration. Vice Chair Hunter denied the claimant’s request for reconsideration, noting that costs are not compensatory but are rather meant to maintain civility and order during proceedings. He further noted that there had not been a single LAT decision that awarded disbursements as part of a cost award.
