71-3-59 - Costs in proceedings brought without reasonable ground; penalties for pursuit of frivolous claim. - Mississippi Statutes

§ 71-3-59. Costs in proceedings brought without reasonable ground; penalties for pursuit of frivolous claim.
 

(1)  If the court having jurisdiction of proceedings in respect of any claim or compensation order determined that the proceedings in respect of such claim or order have been instituted or continued without reasonable ground, the costs of such proceedings shall be assessed against the party who has so instituted or continued such proceedings. 

(2)  If the full commission determines that proceedings in respect to a claim have been instituted, continued or delayed, including by way of appeal to the commission, without reasonable ground, the full commission shall require the party who has so instituted, continued or delayed such proceedings or the attorney advising such party, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, caused by such institution, continuance or delay to the opposing party. In addition to requiring the payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, to the opposing party, the commission may levy a civil penalty not to exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) against such party, or attorney advising or assisting such party, or both, payable to the commission. Any such civil penalty levied and collected by the commission shall be deposited into the Administrative Expense Fund provided for in Section 71-3-97 and any such penalty which is not voluntarily paid may be collected by civil suit brought by the commission. 
 

Sources: Codes, 1942, § 6998-30; Laws,  1948, ch. 354, § 24; reenacted without change, 1982, ch. 473, § 30; Laws, 1987, ch. 361, § 5; reenacted without change, 1990, ch. 405, § 31; Laws, 1993, ch. 552, § 1, eff from and after passage (approved April 13, 1993).