Mangum v. National Union Fire Insurance
A claimant was injured in July 2000 and filed for workers' compensation after her disability claim was denied. The Workers' Compensation Board initially indexed the claim against Career Horizons, Inc., with AIG Claims Services, Inc. as its administrator. AIG failed to appear at multiple hearings, leading to the claim's establishment and penalties. After an initial appeal by AIG, the Board affirmed the establishment but remitted the case to identify the proper carrier. CNA Insurance Company was subsequently identified as the employer's true workers' compensation carrier. The WCLJ and the Board ruled that AIG was estopped by laches from denying coverage. This court, however, reversed the Board's finding of estoppel, concluding that the Board abused its discretion by not addressing evidence suggesting CNA had timely notice of the claim and basing its decision on incorrect employer/carrier identification. The matter was remitted for further proceedings.