ALBERT HUNNICUTT vs. UNIFIED GROCERS, SECURITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY
The Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) denied Albert Hunnicutt's petition for reconsideration regarding the attorney's fee awarded to his former attorney, Robert Palty. Hunnicutt contested the December 30, 2024, Joint Findings and Order Re: Attorney Fees, which granted Palty $7,500.00 from Hunnicutt's permanent disability award. Hunnicutt alleged Palty's negligence in preparing stipulations, failing to provide NRLB reports, and mishandling a child support lien. The WCAB, adopting the WCJ's report, found Palty's withdrawal justified and affirmed the fee by considering the four statutory criteria: responsibility, care, time involved, and results obtained, concluding the fee was a reasonable balance despite Hunnicutt's concerns and his significant self-representation.