Vasquez, Felix

Cost petitioner Tony Barriere Interpreting Service provided Spanish translation for the reading of a Compromise and Release to applicant Felix Vasquez and billed $270.00, of which defendant paid only $175.00, citing AD Rule 9795.3. The WCJ found the interpreting services were governed by AD Rule 9795.3(b)(2) (the $11.25/quarter hour rate) rather than 9795.3(b)(1) (court fee schedule or market rate), denied attorney fees and costs, and found no bad faith. The Board granted reconsideration, holding that reading of a C&R to a limited-English applicant is analogous to a board hearing, deposition, or arbitration and is therefore subject to AD Rule 9795.3(b)(1). The Board also rejected defendant's service/dismissal argument, finding any service error harmless since defendant timely filed its answer. The F&O was rescinded and the matter returned to the WCJ for further proceedings and a new decision.