Delgadillo, Susana

Cost petitioner Suzie Jimenez Interpreting Services, Inc. provided interpreting services at a September 14, 2023 MSC that ultimately was taken off calendar after venue had been changed. Defendant initially filed the DOR and selected the MSC date but took no action to remove the matter from calendar; the interpreter appeared as required, billed $690.00, and was only paid $265.00 about nine months later. A WCJ found the cost petitioner failed to meet its burden for further payment and denied all parties' requests for costs/fees/sanctions. The Board granted reconsideration, holding that because the parties were required to appear at the MSC and the applicant needed an interpreter to participate meaningfully, the interpreter was necessary and entitled to payment even though no services were actually provided. The Board rescinded the F&O and returned the matter to the WCJ to determine a reasonable amount of payment and to consider interest, costs, sanctions, and attorney's fees.