39-71-2907. Increase in award for unreasonable delay or refusal to pay. (1) The workers’ compensation judge may increase by 20% the full amount of benefits due a claimant during the period of delay or refusal to pay, when:

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(a)the insurer agrees to pay benefits but unreasonably delays or refuses to make the agreed-upon payments to the claimant; or

(b)prior or subsequent to the issuance of an order by the workers’ compensation judge granting a claimant benefits, the insurer unreasonably delays or refuses to make the payments.

(2)The question of unreasonable delay or refusal shall be determined by the workers’ compensation judge, and such a finding constitutes good cause to rescind, alter, or amend any order, decision, or award previously made in the cause for the purpose of making the increase provided herein.

(3)A finding of unreasonableness under this section does not constitute a finding that the insurer acted in bad faith or violated the unfair trade practices provisions of Title 33, chapter 18.