Lights, Camera, Judgment: Mark Hanna Scores Win for Local Film Studio

Member Mark Hanna and Associate Joseph Trytten received a grant of summary judgment dismissing Chalmette, Louisiana’s The Ranch Studios in a premises liability/personal injury... More

Louisiana Third Circuit Unmoved By Claimants’ False Statements in Workers’ Compensation Case, Affirms Award of Benefits

In a recent workers’ compensation appellate decision from the Louisiana Third Circuit, the employee-claimants’ false statements about drug use, medical history, and medical treatment... More

Louisiana Businesses See Workers’ Compensation Premiums Drop for Sixth Year

On November 8, 2019, Louisiana State Insurance Commissioner, James Donelon, approved an 8.4% workers’ compensation rate reduction based on an annual loss cost filing... More

Unconfirmed Drug Test Results Inadmissible for Purposes of Fraud Defense in Workers’ Compensation Claim

In Parson v. Truck Parts & Equipment, Inc. 2019 WL 4805882 (La. 10/1/19), the Louisiana Supreme Court reversed a ruling by the Second Circuit Court... More

First Circuit Upholds OWC Judgment Finding Claimant Forfeited Workers’ Compensation Benefits Due to False Statements

In a recent case, Elmer Creel, Jr. v. American Pride, Inc., the Claimant, Elmer Creel, Jr. was involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident... More

Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Addresses Psychological Compensation Resulting from Physical Injuries

Claims for workers’ compensation benefits, as well as claims arising under the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) and the Defense Base Act... More

OWCP Announces Rate Increases

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs of the United States Department of Labor has announced the cost of living adjustment effective October 1, 2019.... More

Claim Dismissed Against Employer and Insurance Carrier for Alleged HIPAA Violation

In a recent case, Bowles v. Apro International Inc., the employer was able to obtain a dismissal of the claim because the claimant was... More

Louisiana Supreme Court Rules Choice of Pharmacy Suit Premature

In Soileau v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 2019-C-0040 (La. 06/26/19), a workers’ compensation matter, the Louisiana Supreme Court vacated a judgment of the Third Circuit... More

Collateral Source Rule Does Not Apply to Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Insurance Payments

As we previously reported, the Louisiana Supreme Court granted writs in a case questioning whether worker’s compensation benefits are subject to the collateral source... More