Dr. W. J. Potashner

Following the dismissal of the insured's application for statutory accident benefits, the insurer sought its expenses of the arbitration proceeding.

The insured's counsel did not file a response to the insurer's bill of expenses.

The arbitrator reviewed the claimed fees and disbursements, allowing the fees as claimed but disallowing a $1,112.00 disbursement for the attendance of a rheumatologist, finding the expert's opinion was neither necessary nor helpful.

The insurer was awarded total expenses of $8,795.97.

The applicant was injured in a motor vehicle accident and sought statutory accident benefits for caregiving and housekeeping expenses.

The insurer terminated these benefits based on in-home assessments and independent medical examinations indicating the applicant was not substantially disabled.

The applicant submitted invoices for services allegedly provided by her sister and a neighbour.

The arbitrator found the invoices to be unreliable and fabricated, noting they contradicted the applicant's own statements to assessors and the testimony of the service providers.

The application for benefits and a special award was dismissed, and the insurer was awarded its expenses of the arbitration proceeding.