This appeal arises pursuant to the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, TEX. LAB. CODE ANN. § 401.001 et seq. (1989 Act). A contested case hearing (CCH) was held on July 24, 2002. The hearing officer determined that the respondent (attorney) and paralegal fees as approved by a “[Texas Workers’ Compensation] COMMISSION ORDER FOR ATTORNEY’S FEES” (Order) in the amount of $417.50 are reasonable and necessary.
The appellant (claimant) appeals on much the same basis that she challenged the attorney fees at the CCH, asserting that the award of fees was unreasonable and unnecessary. The file does not contain a response from the attorney.
DECISION
Affirmed.
In the order for attorney’s fees dated June 4, 2002, the Commission approved 2.10 hours of attorney’s fees out of 4.10 hours requested and 2.05 hours of legal assistant fees out of 2.05 hours requested for a total of $417.50 out of $717.50 requested fees. The claimant challenged five items of the attorney’s fees as unreasonable and unnecessary as she had procured the necessary medical records and documentation.
We review attorney’s fees cases under an abuse-of-discretion standard. Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission Appeal No. 020181, decided March 5, 2002. In this case, the claimant discussed five challenged items with the hearing officer, explaining why she believed the attorney’s fees for those items were unreasonable and unnecessary. The hearing officer, in his Discussion of the Evidence, gave his reasons for finding the challenged attorney’s fees reasonable and necessary.
Nothing in our review of the record indicates that the hearing officer abused his discretion in his decision. Accordingly, the hearing officer’s decision and order are affirmed.
The true corporate name of the insurance carrier is TEXAS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY and the name and address of its registered agent for service of process is
MR. RUSSELL R. OLIVER, PRESIDENT
221 WEST 6TH STREET
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701.
Thomas A. Knapp – Appeals Judge
CONCUR:
Susan M. Kelley – Appeals Judge
Michael B. McShane – Appeals Judge