What the panel ordered
Petition for Reconsideration granted; Second Amended Findings and Award rescinded; matter returned to trial level for further proceedings.
Lien claimant Levin & Nalbandyan LLP petitioned for reconsideration of the WCJ's Second Amended Findings and Award regarding allocation of attorney fees between it and HB Law Group. The WCAB granted reconsideration and remanded for further proceedings.
What was disputed, and how it came out
Each issue the panel decided, with the reasoning it gave. An outcome is what this panel did on this record — not a rule, and not a prediction.
The record was not adequately developed regarding the criteria for determining reasonable attorney fees for each firm, including responsibility, care, time, and results obtained. The WCJ's methodology and hourly rate were not sufficiently explained.
The facts that decided it
What the panel treated as outcome-determinative, and which side it favoured.
The record was insufficiently developed to determine how attorney fees should be divided between Levin & Nalbandyan and HB Law Group, lacking explanation of criteria and hourly rate.
Favours neutral
This lack of record development prevented the Board from evaluating the reasonableness of the WCJ's fee allocation, requiring remand.