Viegas

Petitioner, Larry Viegas, seeks review of the order of respondent Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (hereinafter Board) denying reconsideration. Specifically, petitioner challenges Board’s order refusing to impose multiple penalties for successive delays in payment of temporary disability benefits and in reimbursement for self-procured medical treatment.

On June 10, 1977, petitioner was injured in an industrial accident while employed by respondent Williams Brothers Market as a meat cutter. Thereafter, during 1977, 1978, and early 1979, petitioner incurred expenses resulting from self-procured medical treatment.

In September 1978, petitioner’s attorney requested that respondent Fremont Indemnity Company, the employer’s insurance carrier (hereinafter Fremont), pay to petitioner disability benefits which had been delayed in August 1978 and early September 1978. Fremont was also requested to reimburse petitioner for medical treatment. On September 14, 1978, Fremont filed an answer denying liability for benefits.

On September 26, 1978, petitioner requested a hearing before the Board on issues relating to temporary and permanent disability and reimbursement for medical…