Department of Labor and Industry: Interpretation of Statutes and Rules

MONTANA SUPREME COURT DECISIONS
Barnard v. Liberty Northwest Ins. Corp., 2008 MT 254, 345 Mont. 81, 189 P.3d 1196 When there is a longstanding agency interpretation of a statute, the Montana Supreme Court will give that interpretation “respectful consideration.”
MONTANA WORKERS' COMPENSATION COURT DECISIONS

Car Werks, LLC v. Uninsured Employers' Fund v. Gawronski [06/12/15] 2015 MTWCC 13 Although the initial pleading specifically contests DLI’s acceptance of a claim, the allegation encompasses the UEF since the UEF is part of DLI; even the Montana Legislature refers to the UEF as “the department” in § 39-71-520, MCA.

Barnard v. Liberty Northwest [10/20/06] 2006 MTWCC 35 A court defers to an agency’s interpretation of a statute that it administers. Martin v. The Hartford, 2003 MTWCC 25, ¶ 28.

Barnard v. Liberty Northwest [10/20/06] 2006 MTWCC 35 The Department, with the approval of claimants and insurers alike, has employed their statutory interpretation for as long as this statute has been in existence. While this alone is not proof the Department’s interpretation is correct, the fact that this interpretation has been in use for this long without dire consequences and with so little controversy further persuades this Court as to the correctness of the Department’s interpretation.