Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool v. Burns

In this workers compensation case, The City of the Colony and Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool (TML Risk Pool) appeal the trial courts judgment dismissing their appeal of a workers compensation benefits award in favor of Brandon Burns and Juliann Burns, as guardian for Brandon Burns (collectively, Burns). In five issues, appellants complain that the trial court improperly (1) struck the Citys petition in intervention as untimely, (2) ruled that TML Risk Pool lacked standing to appeal the workers compensation appeals panels decision, and (3) awarded attorneys fees. In his cross-appeal, Burns complains that the trial court abused its discretion and violated equal protection standards by not ruling on Burnss motions for attorneys fees until after the court had held an evidentiary hearing on the motions, even though the court approved appellants motions for attorneys fees without a hearing. We affirm.