Claim of Khomitch v. Crotched Mountain Community
Claimant was injured in 2004 and received compensation through February 2007. In 2011, she sought reimbursement for medical bills and lost wages, leading to a stipulation where the carrier paid $4,750 for medical and transportation expenses (M&T). The carrier then sought to transfer liability to the Special Fund for Reopened Cases under Workers' Compensation Law § 25-a. The Special Fund argued the M&T payment was disguised compensation to improperly trigger the liability transfer. The Board Panel, after remittal, concluded that the Special Fund has standing to litigate if the payment was an advance payment of compensation. The Board rescinded the liability transfer to the Special Fund, without prejudice, pending further evidence. The employer and carrier appealed this decision, which was ultimately affirmed.