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REISSLAND","paragraph_id":"para_1"},{"text":"VERSUS","paragraph_id":"para_2"},{"text":"VALLUZZO COMPANIES,","paragraph_id":"para_3"},{"text":"LLC","paragraph_id":"para_4"},{"text":"*","paragraph_id":"para_5"},{"text":"*","paragraph_id":"para_6"},{"text":"*","paragraph_id":"para_7"},{"text":"*","paragraph_id":"para_8"},{"text":"* * * * * * *","paragraph_id":"para_9"},{"text":"NO. 2025-CA-0379","paragraph_id":"para_10"},{"text":"COURT OF APPEAL","paragraph_id":"para_11"},{"text":"FOURTH CIRCUIT","paragraph_id":"para_12"},{"text":"STATE OF LOUISIANA","paragraph_id":"para_13"},{"text":"APPEAL FROM","paragraph_id":"para_14"},{"text":"THE OFFICE OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION","paragraph_id":"para_15"},{"text":"NO. 23-04315, DISTRICT “7”","paragraph_id":"para_16"},{"text":"Honorable Heather Fairchild, Judge","paragraph_id":"para_17"},{"text":"* * * * * *","paragraph_id":"para_18"},{"text":"Judge Dale N. Atkins","paragraph_id":"para_19"},{"text":"* * * * * *","paragraph_id":"para_20"},{"text":"(Court composed of Judge Tiffany Gautier Chase, Judge Dale N. Atkins, Judge","paragraph_id":"para_21"},{"text":"Monique G. Morial)","paragraph_id":"para_22"},{"text":"Timothy E. Benedetto","paragraph_id":"para_23"},{"text":"WORKERS' COMPENSATION, LLC","paragraph_id":"para_24"},{"text":"3045 Ridgelake Ave., Suite 100","paragraph_id":"para_25"},{"text":"Metairie, LA 70002","paragraph_id":"para_26"},{"text":"COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF/APPELLANT, Daphne Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_27"},{"text":"Trenton J. Oubre","paragraph_id":"para_28"},{"text":"Terrel A. Thomas","paragraph_id":"para_29"},{"text":"Charles C. Szeszycki","paragraph_id":"para_30"},{"text":"BREAZEALE, SACHSE & WILSON, LLP","paragraph_id":"para_31"},{"text":"One American Place","paragraph_id":"para_32"},{"text":"23rd Floor","paragraph_id":"para_33"},{"text":"P.O. Box 3197","paragraph_id":"para_34"},{"text":"Baton Rouge, LA 70821","paragraph_id":"para_35"},{"text":"COUNSEL FOR DEFENDANT/APPELLEE, Valluzzo Companies, LLC","paragraph_id":"para_36"},{"text":"REVERSED IN PART; VACATED IN PART; REMANDED WITH","paragraph_id":"para_37"},{"text":"INSTRUCTIONS; ANSWER TO APPEAL DENIED","paragraph_id":"para_38"},{"text":"DECEMBER 29, 2025","paragraph_id":"para_39"},{"text":"1","paragraph_id":"para_40"},{"text":"This is a workers’ compensation case. Employee-appellant is Daphne","paragraph_id":"para_41","court_paragraph":1},{"text":"Reissland (“Ms. Reissland”), and employer-appellee is Valluzzo Companies, LLC","paragraph_id":"para_42"},{"text":"(“Valluzzo”). Ms. Reissland appeals the judgment issued by the workers’","paragraph_id":"para_43"},{"text":"compensation judge (“WCJ”)1 on December 5, 2024. In that judgment, in pertinent","paragraph_id":"para_44"},{"text":"part, the WCJ found Ms. Reissland was a part-time employee when she worked for","paragraph_id":"para_45"},{"text":"Valluzzo and sustained a workplace injury; and Ms. Reissland assigns error to the","paragraph_id":"para_46"},{"text":"finding that she was a part-time employee as opposed to a full-time employee.","paragraph_id":"para_47"},{"text":"Further, the WCJ held Ms. Reissland proved she experienced a work place","paragraph_id":"para_48"},{"text":"accident; she experienced a work-related injury; she sustained injuries related to","paragraph_id":"para_49"},{"text":"the work accident; and a causal connection between the work accident and her","paragraph_id":"para_50"},{"text":"injuries. However, the WCJ found Ms. Reissland made false statements for the","paragraph_id":"para_51"},{"text":"purpose of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits in violation of La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_52"},{"text":"23:1208, such that she forfeited her right to benefits and would be required to pay","paragraph_id":"para_53"},{"text":"restitution to Valluzzo. In this latter regard, the WCJ issued another judgment on","paragraph_id":"para_54"},{"text":"January 13, 2025, in which it delineated the amount Ms. Reissland owed Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_55"},{"text":"in restitution and ordered Ms. Reissland to pay a civil penalty pursuant to La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_56"},{"text":"1 Throughout this Opinion, “WCJ” will refer to the particular workers’ compensation","paragraph_id":"para_57"},{"text":"judge who rendered the decision in this matter.","paragraph_id":"para_58"},{"text":"DNA","paragraph_id":"para_59"},{"text":"TGC","paragraph_id":"para_60"},{"text":"MGM","paragraph_id":"para_61"},{"text":"2","paragraph_id":"para_62"},{"text":"23:1208(D). Ms. Reissland assigns error to the WCJ’s finding that she made","paragraph_id":"para_63","court_paragraph":2},{"text":"misstatements in violation of La. R.S. 23:1208 such that she forfeited her right to","paragraph_id":"para_64"},{"text":"benefits and must pay restitution. In the alternative, Ms. Reissland assigns error to","paragraph_id":"para_65"},{"text":"the WCJ’s restitution calculation.","paragraph_id":"para_66"},{"text":"In addition to asserting assignments of error in its appellee brief, Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_67"},{"text":"filed an “Answer . . . to the Appeal of Appellant” (“Answer”). Therein, Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_68"},{"text":"seeks review of the WCJ’s failure to award it all attorney’s fees incurred pursuant","paragraph_id":"para_69"},{"text":"to La. R.S. 23:1208(C)(4); the total requested attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to","paragraph_id":"para_70"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1310.9; judicial interest on the restitution award pursuant to La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_71"},{"text":"23:1201.3; and additional costs, including penalties and attorney’s fees, pursuant to","paragraph_id":"para_72"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201(G) for Ms. Reissland’s failure to pay any of the amount ordered","paragraph_id":"para_73"},{"text":"in the restitution judgment. Additionally, Valluzzo asserts the WCJ erred in certain","paragraph_id":"para_74"},{"text":"parts of the December 5, 2024 judgment, specifically in finding that Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_75"},{"text":"proved the alleged workplace accident of May 4, 2023; proved she sustained a","paragraph_id":"para_76"},{"text":"work-related injury; proved she sustained injuries related to the work accident; and","paragraph_id":"para_77"},{"text":"proved a causal connection between the accident and her injuries. Valluzzo also","paragraph_id":"para_78"},{"text":"contends the WCJ erred in the December 5, 2024 judgment in finding Valluzzo did","paragraph_id":"para_79"},{"text":"not prove entitlement to the intoxication presumption due to Ms. Reissland’s delay","paragraph_id":"para_80"},{"text":"in submitting to its drug testing request. Further, Valluzzo asserts the WCJ erred in","paragraph_id":"para_81"},{"text":"finding Valluzzo failed to prove Ms. Reissland’s intoxication was the cause of her","paragraph_id":"para_82"},{"text":"work accident.","paragraph_id":"para_83"},{"text":"For the following reasons, we reverse the WCJ’s December 5, 2024","paragraph_id":"para_84"},{"text":"judgment in part; vacate the January 13, 2025 judgment; and remand this matter to","paragraph_id":"para_85"},{"text":"the WCJ with instructions. We deny the requests by Valluzzo in its Answer.","paragraph_id":"para_86"},{"text":"3","paragraph_id":"para_87"},{"text":"FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY","paragraph_id":"para_88","court_paragraph":3},{"text":"Incident, Early Treatment, and Initiation of Benefits","paragraph_id":"para_89"},{"text":"According to Ms. Reissland, she injured her left hip on May 4, 2023, while","paragraph_id":"para_90"},{"text":"employed by Valluzzo at a McDonald’s located in Meraux, Louisiana. Describing","paragraph_id":"para_91"},{"text":"the accident and injury in the Disputed Claim for Compensation - Form 1008 she","paragraph_id":"para_92"},{"text":"ultimately filed, Ms. Reissland stated that “[w]hile in the course and scope of her","paragraph_id":"para_93"},{"text":"employment . . . , [she] injured her left hip while throwing away garbage.” Based","paragraph_id":"para_94"},{"text":"on Ms. Reissland’s account of the incident in the record, she injured herself while","paragraph_id":"para_95"},{"text":"attempting to lift a bag of garbage that was heavier than anticipated because,","paragraph_id":"para_96"},{"text":"unbeknownst to her, another employee had placed liquids and grease in it.","paragraph_id":"para_97"},{"text":"Additionally, Ms. Reissland explained she was unable to perform her job duties the","paragraph_id":"para_98"},{"text":"day after the incident, May 5, 2023, and left her shift early, whereupon she","paragraph_id":"para_99"},{"text":"immediately sought treatment with her primary care physician, Dr. Lagarde-May","paragraph_id":"para_100"},{"text":"(“Dr. May”) at DePaul Community Health Center.","paragraph_id":"para_101"},{"text":"On June 6, 2023, Dr. Kevin Johnson (“Dr. Johnson”) evaluated Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_102"},{"text":"Reissland and noted complaints of pain in her lower back, left hip, and left leg. Dr.","paragraph_id":"para_103"},{"text":"Johnson recommended Ms. Reissland undergo conservative care and rendered her","paragraph_id":"para_104"},{"text":"totally disabled from work. Thereafter, on June 19, 2023, Valluzzo instituted Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_105"},{"text":"Reissland’s indemnity benefits, ultimately determining that Ms. Reissland was","paragraph_id":"para_106"},{"text":"entitled to temporary total disability benefits in the amount of $275.02 per week as","paragraph_id":"para_107"},{"text":"calculated based on an average weekly wage of $412.53 per week.","paragraph_id":"para_108"},{"text":"Subsequently, on June 23, 2023, Dr. Nicholas DiGerolamo (“Dr.","paragraph_id":"para_109"},{"text":"DiGerolamo”) evaluated Ms. Reissland, and he also noted that she complained of","paragraph_id":"para_110"},{"text":"pain in her lower back, left hip, and left leg, with pain centralized in her left lower","paragraph_id":"para_111"},{"text":"back area. Then, Dr. Johnson evaluated Ms. Reissland again on July 25, 2023, and","paragraph_id":"para_112"},{"text":"4","paragraph_id":"para_113"},{"text":"likewise noted her complaints of pain in her lower back, left hip, and left leg. Dr.","paragraph_id":"para_114","court_paragraph":4},{"text":"Johnson maintained his designation of Ms. Reissland as totally disabled from","paragraph_id":"para_115"},{"text":"work, recommended that she continue conservative care, and ordered a lumbar","paragraph_id":"para_116"},{"text":"MRI.","paragraph_id":"para_117"},{"text":"On November 6, 2023, orthopedic spine specialist Dr. Marco Rodriguez","paragraph_id":"para_118"},{"text":"(“Dr. Rodriguez”) evaluated Ms. Reissland, reviewed the MRI taken of her spine,","paragraph_id":"para_119"},{"text":"and reported two bulging discs and one herniated disc in her lumbar spine. Given","paragraph_id":"para_120"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s continued pain, Dr. Rodriguez recommended she undergo epidural","paragraph_id":"para_121"},{"text":"steroid injections and continued her total disability restrictions. Dr. Rodriguez","paragraph_id":"para_122"},{"text":"requested authorization for continued care on November 15, 2023, but Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_123"},{"text":"denied the request based on a “causality issue.” On November 20, 2023, Dr.","paragraph_id":"para_124"},{"text":"Rodriguez also requested authorization to perform lumbar transforaminal","paragraph_id":"para_125"},{"text":"injections, but Valluzzo denied this too on the basis of a “question of causality.”","paragraph_id":"para_126"},{"text":"Medical Authorization Forms","paragraph_id":"para_127"},{"text":"On June 22, 2023, Valluzzo forwarded several release authorization forms to","paragraph_id":"para_128"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland, including a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act","paragraph_id":"para_129"},{"text":"(“HIPAA”) authorization. Approximately one month later, Ms. Reissland signed","paragraph_id":"para_130"},{"text":"the HIPPA authorization thereby allowing Valluzzo’s claims adjuster to access her","paragraph_id":"para_131"},{"text":"medical records.","paragraph_id":"para_132"},{"text":"Thereafter, on August 11, 2023, Valluzzo contacted Ms. Reissland and","paragraph_id":"para_133"},{"text":"asked her to execute another HIPPA authorization in favor of its counsel. Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_134"},{"text":"Reissland refused to execute the additional authorizations on the grounds that her","paragraph_id":"para_135"},{"text":"claim was not yet in litigation and that she had already signed the prior HIPPA","paragraph_id":"para_136"},{"text":"authorization. In a subsequent attempt by Valluzzo to get Ms. Reissland to sign the","paragraph_id":"para_137"},{"text":"HIPPA authorization in favor of its counsel, Valluzzo sent a cover letter which","paragraph_id":"para_138"},{"text":"5","paragraph_id":"para_139"},{"text":"stated that Valluzzo’s counsel was “the authorized designee of [Valluzzo] to","paragraph_id":"para_140","court_paragraph":5},{"text":"procure records, reports, pathology, radiology bills and all other documents or","paragraph_id":"para_141"},{"text":"materials specified in requests submitted on behalf of [Valluzzo].” In response to","paragraph_id":"para_142"},{"text":"this letter, Ms. Reissland revoked all prior signed authorizations. On August 17,","paragraph_id":"para_143"},{"text":"2023, Valluzzo terminated Ms. Reissland’s indemnity benefits due to her","paragraph_id":"para_144"},{"text":"“hindrance and arbitrary actions in blocking all medical records discovery and” in","paragraph_id":"para_145"},{"text":"“denying [Valluzzo] from being able to obtain all relevant medical records . . . in","paragraph_id":"para_146"},{"text":"further investigation and [evaluation of] this claim.” Ms. Reissland subsequently","paragraph_id":"para_147"},{"text":"re-executed a HIPPA authorization on September 1, 2023, whereupon Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_148"},{"text":"reinstituted her indemnity benefits on September 13, 2023.","paragraph_id":"para_149"},{"text":"Disputed Claim for Compensation","paragraph_id":"para_150"},{"text":"Before Valluzzo reinstituted her benefits, however, on August 29, 2023, Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_151"},{"text":"Reissland filed her Disputed Claim for Compensation - Form 1008 (“Claim","paragraph_id":"para_152"},{"text":"Form”). On the Claim Form, Ms. Reissland noted Valluzzo terminated her","paragraph_id":"para_153"},{"text":"workers’ compensation benefits on August 17, 2023. Ms. Reissland requested, in","paragraph_id":"para_154"},{"text":"pertinent part:","paragraph_id":"para_155"},{"text":"Any and all equitable relief owed, including but not limited to","paragraph_id":"para_156"},{"text":"entitlement to awards of penalties and attorney’s fees in accordance","paragraph_id":"para_157"},{"text":"with La. R.S. 23:1201 et seq.; entitlement to reimbursement of costs","paragraph_id":"para_158"},{"text":"in accordance with La. R.S. 23:1310.9; entitlement to judicial interest","paragraph_id":"para_159"},{"text":"on all amounts awarded including but not limited to awards of","paragraph_id":"para_160"},{"text":"penalties, attorney’s fees and costs.","paragraph_id":"para_161"},{"text":"In subsequent pleadings, Ms. Reissland also requested judicial interest on","paragraph_id":"para_162"},{"text":"penalties, attorney’s fees, and costs.","paragraph_id":"para_163"},{"text":"Though Ms. Reissland’s Claim Form listed her injured body part as her left","paragraph_id":"para_164"},{"text":"hip, during the course of this dispute, she ultimately complained of lower back","paragraph_id":"para_165"},{"text":"problems too and amended her claim to include that complaint. Additionally,","paragraph_id":"para_166"},{"text":"6","paragraph_id":"para_167"},{"text":"throughout the course of the proceedings, Ms. Reissland maintained that she was a","paragraph_id":"para_168","court_paragraph":6},{"text":"full-time employee and that Valluzzo should have classified her as such in","paragraph_id":"para_169"},{"text":"calculating her benefits. According to Ms. Reissland’s deposition testimony, her","paragraph_id":"para_170"},{"text":"supervisor informed her that she would be a full-time employee.","paragraph_id":"para_171"},{"text":"Answer and Request for Preliminary Determination Hearing","paragraph_id":"para_172"},{"text":"On September 20, 2023, Valluzzo timely filed its Answer and, in pertinent","paragraph_id":"para_173"},{"text":"part, requested a preliminary determination hearing (“PDH”) to determine whether","paragraph_id":"para_174"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland was entitled to continue receiving benefits. In this regard, Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_175"},{"text":"explained that Dr. Douglas Lurie (“Dr. Lurie”) examined Ms. Reissland on July","paragraph_id":"para_176"},{"text":"25, 2023, and was “not able to assign any type of causation of [Ms. Reissland’s]","paragraph_id":"para_177"},{"text":"current complaints in light of the strong nonorganic overlay,” and that she “should","paragraph_id":"para_178"},{"text":"return to regular duty immediately.”","paragraph_id":"para_179"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland opposed Valluzzo’s request for a PDH in a Motion to Strike","paragraph_id":"para_180"},{"text":"Request for PDH, asserting that Valluzzo had not offered evidence that it complied","paragraph_id":"para_181"},{"text":"with all of the provisions of La. R.S. 23:1201.1(A) that are a prerequisite for any","paragraph_id":"para_182"},{"text":"request for a PDH. Specifically, Ms. Reissland claimed that Valluzzo did not show","paragraph_id":"para_183"},{"text":"that it sent the Notice of Initial Payment (LWC Form 1002) to her on the same day","paragraph_id":"para_184"},{"text":"that the first payment of compensation was made. Though we need not delineate","paragraph_id":"para_185"},{"text":"the specifics of same, it is important to note that the WCJ eventually granted","paragraph_id":"para_186"},{"text":"Valluzzo’s request for a PDH and conducted one.","paragraph_id":"para_187"},{"text":"In pertinent part, in its Answer, Valluzzo also contended Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_188"},{"text":"delayed properly and timely reporting her work incident thereby thwarting the","paragraph_id":"para_189"},{"text":"administration of a prompt drug test immediately after the alleged accident.","paragraph_id":"para_190"},{"text":"According to Valluzzo, by failing to allow for prompt drug screening, Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_191"},{"text":"Reissland forfeited all rights to compensation pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1124.","paragraph_id":"para_192"},{"text":"7","paragraph_id":"para_193"},{"text":"Valluzzo also asserted that La. R.S. 23:1081(7)(b) established a presumption that","paragraph_id":"para_194","court_paragraph":7},{"text":"Ms. Reissland was intoxicated at the time of the accident in light of her failure to","paragraph_id":"para_195"},{"text":"submit to a timely drug screening.","paragraph_id":"para_196"},{"text":"Termination of Benefits","paragraph_id":"para_197"},{"text":"On January 10, 2024, Valluzzo terminated Ms. Reissland’s indemnity","paragraph_id":"para_198"},{"text":"benefits on the grounds that she committed fraud pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208 by","paragraph_id":"para_199"},{"text":"misrepresenting her prior and post-accident medical treatment and history, alleged","paragraph_id":"para_200"},{"text":"disabilities, condition, and basis and need for medical care. Valluzzo further","paragraph_id":"para_201"},{"text":"contended Ms. Reissland committed fraud pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208.1 by","paragraph_id":"para_202"},{"text":"making willful misrepresentations and false statements regarding her true and","paragraph_id":"para_203"},{"text":"accurate medical history, pre-accident history, medications, and lost time from","paragraph_id":"para_204"},{"text":"work. Valluzzo also denied all requests for future medical treatment. Additionally,","paragraph_id":"para_205"},{"text":"Valluzzo filed a Supplemental and Amending Answer, as well as a Reconventional","paragraph_id":"para_206"},{"text":"Demand, with these same allegations. In its Reconventional Demand, Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_207"},{"text":"contended it was entitled to restitution and reimbursement in light of Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_208"},{"text":"having committed fraud and having made willful misrepresentations. In pertinent","paragraph_id":"para_209"},{"text":"part, Ms. Reissland had already submitted to a deposition, during which she denied","paragraph_id":"para_210"},{"text":"having a specific history of back pain, back problems, or treatment for back pain","paragraph_id":"para_211"},{"text":"and back problems; but her medical records revealed otherwise. Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_212"},{"text":"ultimately submitted with one of its pleadings a November 3, 2023 supplemental","paragraph_id":"para_213"},{"text":"report from Dr. Lurie. Therein, Dr. Lurie opined that Ms. Reissland’s history was","paragraph_id":"para_214"},{"text":"inaccurate, noting that she did in fact have a prior history of back problems and","paragraph_id":"para_215"},{"text":"there was no record of her being treated by Dr. May on the day after the alleged","paragraph_id":"para_216"},{"text":"incident contrary to Ms. Reissland’s report.","paragraph_id":"para_217"},{"text":"8","paragraph_id":"para_218"},{"text":"Dr. Marco Rodriguez’s Deposition","paragraph_id":"para_219","court_paragraph":8},{"text":"On March 22, 2024, Ms. Reissland deposed Dr. Rodriguez. In his","paragraph_id":"para_220"},{"text":"deposition, Dr. Rodriguez noted that Ms. Reissland’s reason for her initial","paragraph_id":"para_221"},{"text":"appointment with him on November 6, 2024, was “cervical, thoracic, and lumbar”","paragraph_id":"para_222"},{"text":"pain. According to Dr. Rodriguez, Ms. Reissland denied having any history of low","paragraph_id":"para_223"},{"text":"back pain before her injury, and he did not know that Ms. Reissland had prior","paragraph_id":"para_224"},{"text":"diagnoses of lumbar radiculopathy. Nevertheless, Dr. Rodriguez testified he would","paragraph_id":"para_225"},{"text":"not change his opinion that Ms. Reissland began to experience left leg","paragraph_id":"para_226"},{"text":"radiculopathy as a result of her May 4, 2023 work incident.","paragraph_id":"para_227"},{"text":"Trial on the Merits","paragraph_id":"para_228"},{"text":"On October 16, 2024, the WCJ held a trial on the merits. Valluzzo submitted","paragraph_id":"para_229"},{"text":"the transcript of Dr. May’s August 9, 2024 deposition as one of its exhibits.","paragraph_id":"para_230"},{"text":"Therein, Dr. May denied having seen Ms. Reissland on May 5, 2023, and noted the","paragraph_id":"para_231"},{"text":"absence of a record for a visit on that date. Dr. May also testified that she had","paragraph_id":"para_232"},{"text":"diagnosed Ms. Reissland with lumbar radiculopathy on multiple occasions prior to","paragraph_id":"para_233"},{"text":"her alleged workplace accident and explained the diagnosis to Ms. Reissland.","paragraph_id":"para_234"},{"text":"Additionally, the WCJ heard testimony from Lauren Sulik (“Ms. Sulik”) and Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_235"},{"text":"Reissland.","paragraph_id":"para_236"},{"text":"Ms. Sulik’s Testimony","paragraph_id":"para_237"},{"text":"Regarding the calculation of Ms. Reissland’s average weekly wage based on","paragraph_id":"para_238"},{"text":"average hours worked, Ms. Sulik, Valluzzo’s claims adjuster, testified that she","paragraph_id":"para_239"},{"text":"calculated it using the part-time employee classification for Ms. Reissland. Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_240"},{"text":"Sulik admitted that nothing on Ms. Reissland’s pay stubs directly stated that she","paragraph_id":"para_241"},{"text":"was a part-time employee; however, Ms. Sulik noted the “job code” listed on Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_242"},{"text":"Reissland’s pay stubs was “job code 100,” which indicated Ms. Reissland was a","paragraph_id":"para_243"},{"text":"9","paragraph_id":"para_244"},{"text":"“crew member.” As explained by Ms. Sulik, all crew members are considered part-","paragraph_id":"para_245","court_paragraph":9},{"text":"time employees. Ms. Sulik further explained that although no document","paragraph_id":"para_246"},{"text":"specifically indicated that Ms. Reissland was classified as a part-time employee,","paragraph_id":"para_247"},{"text":"only salaried managers at Valluzzo are full-time. According to Ms. Sulik, the part-","paragraph_id":"para_248"},{"text":"time/full-time distinctions between crew members and salaried managers is","paragraph_id":"para_249"},{"text":"common knowledge, but she could not refer to any location where this distinction","paragraph_id":"para_250"},{"text":"was in writing.","paragraph_id":"para_251"},{"text":"Ms. Sulik added that the Valluzzo policy handbook specifies that crew","paragraph_id":"para_252"},{"text":"members are not guaranteed a full-time schedule but can be given more hours the","paragraph_id":"para_253"},{"text":"longer they have been employed and after they have proven their abilities. Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_254"},{"text":"Sulik stated she used both the policy handbook and Ms. Reissland’s status as a","paragraph_id":"para_255"},{"text":"crew member to determine her average weekly wage. Valluzzo submitted the","paragraph_id":"para_256"},{"text":"policy handbook as one of its exhibits. In pertinent part, it defines part-time","paragraph_id":"para_257"},{"text":"employee as “those who are not assigned to a temporary or introductory status and","paragraph_id":"para_258"},{"text":"who are regularly scheduled to work less than the full-time work schedule.” (We","paragraph_id":"para_259"},{"text":"also note that when asked during a deposition whether Ms. Sulik had any written","paragraph_id":"para_260"},{"text":"acknowledgement that Ms. Reissland knowingly accepted part-time employment,","paragraph_id":"para_261"},{"text":"Ms. Sulik responded, “Written? No, not to my knowledge.”)","paragraph_id":"para_262"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s Testimony","paragraph_id":"para_263"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland testified she sought examination from Dr. May on the day","paragraph_id":"para_264"},{"text":"after her alleged workplace accident and informed her other doctors about this visit","paragraph_id":"para_265"},{"text":"with Dr. May. When asked whether Dr. May had previously diagnosed her with","paragraph_id":"para_266"},{"text":"lumbar radiculopathy prior to her work accident, Ms. Reissland answered “no,”","paragraph_id":"para_267"},{"text":"explaining that she had never heard of that diagnosis until her own counsel","paragraph_id":"para_268"},{"text":"mentioned it to her during the proceedings in this matter and had specifically never","paragraph_id":"para_269"},{"text":"10","paragraph_id":"para_270"},{"text":"heard that diagnosis from Dr. May. Ms. Reissland testified that she had never been","paragraph_id":"para_271","court_paragraph":10},{"text":"diagnosed with or sought treatment for lumbar radiculopathy; did not know what","paragraph_id":"para_272"},{"text":"the condition meant; and had never received an explanation regarding the diagnosis","paragraph_id":"para_273"},{"text":"from Dr. May. Further, Ms. Reissland then testified that she still did not know","paragraph_id":"para_274"},{"text":"what lumbar radiculopathy was and that she did not understand why she continued","paragraph_id":"para_275"},{"text":"to receive questions about back pain because it was her hip that she injured in the","paragraph_id":"para_276"},{"text":"workplace accident, not her back. Additionally, Ms. Reissland testified that she did","paragraph_id":"para_277"},{"text":"not remember reporting back pain to Dr. May prior to the workplace accident, and","paragraph_id":"para_278"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland stated she did not have a history of low back pain. Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_279"},{"text":"also testified that her pain from the incident at work was different from any pain","paragraph_id":"para_280"},{"text":"she had previously experienced.","paragraph_id":"para_281"},{"text":"December 5, 2024 Judgment","paragraph_id":"para_282"},{"text":"Following the trial on the merits, the WCJ signed a judgment on December","paragraph_id":"para_283"},{"text":"5, 2024, which stated, in pertinent part:","paragraph_id":"para_284"},{"text":"IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_285"},{"text":"that the Court finds that claimant, Daphne Reissland, met the burden","paragraph_id":"para_286"},{"text":"of proof necessary to establish the alleged work place accident of May","paragraph_id":"para_287"},{"text":"4, 2023.","paragraph_id":"para_288"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_289"},{"text":"that claimant, Daphne Reissland, met the burden of proof necessary to","paragraph_id":"para_290"},{"text":"establish a work related injury.","paragraph_id":"para_291"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_292"},{"text":"that claimant, Daphne Reissland, met her burden of proof to show that","paragraph_id":"para_293"},{"text":"she sustained injuries related to the work accident.","paragraph_id":"para_294"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_295"},{"text":"that claimant, Daphne Reissland, is a part-time employee, with an","paragraph_id":"para_296"},{"text":"average weekly wage of $412.52 and a corresponding TTD rate of","paragraph_id":"para_297"},{"text":"$275.02.","paragraph_id":"para_298"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_299"},{"text":"that defendant, Valluzzo Companies, LLC, is not entitled to the","paragraph_id":"para_300"},{"text":"intoxication presumption due to the delay of the drug testing request.","paragraph_id":"para_301"},{"text":"11","paragraph_id":"para_302"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_303","court_paragraph":11},{"text":"that defendant, Valluzzo Companies, LLC, failed to prove that","paragraph_id":"para_304"},{"text":"claimant’s intoxication was the cause of her work accident.","paragraph_id":"para_305"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_306"},{"text":"that the suspension of benefits due to the refusal by claimant and","paragraph_id":"para_307"},{"text":"claimant’s counsel to provide medical release authorizations is moot","paragraph_id":"para_308"},{"text":"as the reinstatement of benefits and retroactive payment has already","paragraph_id":"para_309"},{"text":"been paid in full.","paragraph_id":"para_310"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_311"},{"text":"that defendant, Valluzzo Companies, LLC, failed to prove that","paragraph_id":"para_312"},{"text":"claimant committed fraud pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208.1.","paragraph_id":"para_313"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_314"},{"text":"that claimant, Daphne Reissland, made false statements for the","paragraph_id":"para_315"},{"text":"purpose of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits in violation of","paragraph_id":"para_316"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1208.","paragraph_id":"para_317"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_318"},{"text":"that claimant, Daphne Reissland, has forfeited her rights to workers’","paragraph_id":"para_319"},{"text":"compensation benefits due to her violations of La. R.S. 23:1208.","paragraph_id":"para_320"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_321"},{"text":"that claimant, Daphne Reissland, failed to meet the burden of proof","paragraph_id":"para_322"},{"text":"necessary to establish a violation of La. R.S. 23:1208 against","paragraph_id":"para_323"},{"text":"defendant, Valluzzo Companies, LLC.","paragraph_id":"para_324"},{"text":"IT IS FINALLY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_325"},{"text":"that judgment is hereby rendered in favor of Defendant and against","paragraph_id":"para_326"},{"text":"Claimant as set forth herein. The matter is set for a hearing to","paragraph_id":"para_327"},{"text":"determine restitution costs on behalf of the defendant on January 6,","paragraph_id":"para_328"},{"text":"2025, at 9:00 a.m.","paragraph_id":"para_329"},{"text":"The record establishes Valluzzo continued paying Ms. Reissland’s indemnity","paragraph_id":"para_330"},{"text":"benefits until December 10, 2024, at which time they suspended her benefits in","paragraph_id":"para_331"},{"text":"light of the WCJ’s December 5, 2024 judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_332"},{"text":"January 13, 2025 Judgment","paragraph_id":"para_333"},{"text":"Subsequently, on January 6, 2025, the WCJ held a restitution hearing, and","paragraph_id":"para_334"},{"text":"found that Valluzzo did not have the requisite knowledge that Ms. Reissland’s","paragraph_id":"para_335"},{"text":"made false statements for the purpose of obtaining benefits until December 5, 2024","paragraph_id":"para_336"},{"text":"12","paragraph_id":"para_337"},{"text":"(the date of the WCJ’s prior judgment). On January 13, 2025, the WCJ issued","paragraph_id":"para_338","court_paragraph":12},{"text":"another judgment, which stated, in pertinent part:","paragraph_id":"para_339"},{"text":"IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_340"},{"text":"that the claimant is ordered, pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208(C)(4) and","paragraph_id":"para_341"},{"text":"(D), to pay restitution for benefits claimed or payments obtained for","paragraph_id":"para_342"},{"text":"the cost or value of indemnity benefits, the cost or value of health","paragraph_id":"para_343"},{"text":"care, medical case management, vocational rehabilitation,","paragraph_id":"para_344"},{"text":"transportation expense, and the reasonable costs of investigation and","paragraph_id":"para_345"},{"text":"litigation as follows:","paragraph_id":"para_346"},{"text":"Restitution in the amount of $21,490.86 in indemnity","paragraph_id":"para_347"},{"text":"benefits,","paragraph_id":"para_348"},{"text":"Restitution in the amount of $13,076.05 in health care","paragraph_id":"para_349"},{"text":"benefits, and","paragraph_id":"para_350"},{"text":"Restitution in the amount of $5,158.94 in reasonable","paragraph_id":"para_351"},{"text":"costs of investigation and litigation.","paragraph_id":"para_352"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_353"},{"text":"that the claimant is ordered, pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208(D), to pay a","paragraph_id":"para_354"},{"text":"civil penalty in the amount of $5,000.00.","paragraph_id":"para_355"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_356"},{"text":"that the claimant shall pay this civil penalty directly to the employer in","paragraph_id":"para_357"},{"text":"accordance with the holding in Yarnell Ice Cream Company v. Allen,","paragraph_id":"para_358"},{"text":"759 So.2d 1066 (La. App. 2 Cir. 5/10/00).","paragraph_id":"para_359"},{"text":"IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED","paragraph_id":"para_360"},{"text":"that matter [sic] is dismissed with prejudice.","paragraph_id":"para_361"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s timely appeal to this Court followed, and Valluzzo timely filed its","paragraph_id":"para_362"},{"text":"Answer with this Court.","paragraph_id":"para_363"},{"text":"ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR AND ANSWER","paragraph_id":"para_364"},{"text":"In her brief to this Court, Ms. Reissland asserts five assignments of error.","paragraph_id":"para_365"},{"text":"Specifically, she contends:","paragraph_id":"para_366"},{"text":"1. The [WCJ] was manifestly erroneous in finding [Ms.] Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_367"},{"text":"committed fraud pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208.","paragraph_id":"para_368"},{"text":"2. In the alternative, the [WCJ] abused its discretion in awarding","paragraph_id":"para_369"},{"text":"restitution under La. R.S. 23:1208 through the date of its","paragraph_id":"para_370"},{"text":"December 5, 2024 judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_371"},{"text":"13","paragraph_id":"para_372"},{"text":"3. The [WCJ] committed legal error in calculating [Ms.]","paragraph_id":"para_373","court_paragraph":13},{"text":"Reissland’s indemnity benefits based on her classification as a","paragraph_id":"para_374"},{"text":"“part[-]time” worker.","paragraph_id":"para_375"},{"text":"4. The [WCJ] abused its discretion in failing to award multiple","paragraph_id":"para_376"},{"text":"penalties and attorney’s fees pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201(I)","paragraph_id":"para_377"},{"text":"and/or (F).","paragraph_id":"para_378"},{"text":"5. The [WCJ] committed legal error in failing to award [Ms.]","paragraph_id":"para_379"},{"text":"Reissland cost reimbursement pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1310.9","paragraph_id":"para_380"},{"text":"and failing to award judicial interest on all penalties, costs, and","paragraph_id":"para_381"},{"text":"attorney’s fees awarded.","paragraph_id":"para_382"},{"text":"Valluzzo asserts three assignments of error in its brief to this Court.","paragraph_id":"para_383"},{"text":"Specifically, Valluzzo contends:","paragraph_id":"para_384"},{"text":"1. The [WCJ] committed manifest error in the failure to award","paragraph_id":"para_385"},{"text":"[Valluzzo] all attorney’s fees incurred by [Valluzzo] as","paragraph_id":"para_386"},{"text":"established in evidence and made part of the Trial Court record,","paragraph_id":"para_387"},{"text":"to be included as part of the Restitution Judgment as","paragraph_id":"para_388"},{"text":"“reasonable costs of investigation and litigation” in the","paragraph_id":"para_389"},{"text":"Judgment rendered on January 6, 2025, pursuant to La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_390"},{"text":"23:1208.","paragraph_id":"para_391"},{"text":"2. The [WCJ] committed manifest error in its failure to award all","paragraph_id":"para_392"},{"text":"requested attorney’s fees and the total cost of the proceedings,","paragraph_id":"para_393"},{"text":"pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1310.9, plus judicial interest on the","paragraph_id":"para_394"},{"text":"entire restitution award pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201.3 to","paragraph_id":"para_395"},{"text":"[Valluzzo] against [Ms. Reissland] in the Restitution Judgment","paragraph_id":"para_396"},{"text":"rendered on January 6, 2025.","paragraph_id":"para_397"},{"text":"3. The [WCJ’s] Restitution Judgment of January 6, 2025, should","paragraph_id":"para_398"},{"text":"be modified and revised to award [Valluzzo] all additional","paragraph_id":"para_399"},{"text":"damages and costs, including penalties and attorney’s fees upon","paragraph_id":"para_400"},{"text":"the running of all deadlines, pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201(G).","paragraph_id":"para_401"},{"text":"Additionally, Valluzzo filed an Answer with this Court. In its Answer,","paragraph_id":"para_402"},{"text":"Valluzzo prays for and requests the following relief:","paragraph_id":"para_403"},{"text":"[1]. That the [WCJ’s] [j]udgment of January 6, 2025, appealed from","paragraph_id":"para_404"},{"text":"by [Ms. Reissland] be modified, revised and amended, to","paragraph_id":"para_405"},{"text":"expressly award all requested attorney’s fees and the total costs","paragraph_id":"para_406"},{"text":"and expenses of these proceedings and all recoverable amounts","paragraph_id":"para_407"},{"text":"with legal interest to [Valluzzo] pursuant to La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_408"},{"text":"23:1208(C)(4) and (D).","paragraph_id":"para_409"},{"text":"14","paragraph_id":"para_410"},{"text":"[2]. That the Trial Court Judgment of January 6, 2025, appealed","paragraph_id":"para_411","court_paragraph":14},{"text":"from by [Ms. Reissland] be modified, revised and amended to","paragraph_id":"para_412"},{"text":"award all attorney’s fees and costs and all recoverable amounts","paragraph_id":"para_413"},{"text":"with legal interest to [Valluzzo], on grounds that [Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_414"},{"text":"Reissland’s] claims were not brought on reasonable ground","paragraph_id":"para_415"},{"text":"pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1310.9.","paragraph_id":"para_416"},{"text":"[3]. That this Honorable Court award judicial interest on all sums","paragraph_id":"para_417"},{"text":"owed to [Valluzzo], by [Ms. Reissland], pursuant to La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_418"},{"text":"23:1201.3.","paragraph_id":"para_419"},{"text":"[4]. That this Honorable Court award all further costs, expenses,","paragraph_id":"para_420"},{"text":"and attorney’s fees incurred in responding to this appeal by","paragraph_id":"para_421"},{"text":"[Ms. Reissland]. Through its response, [Valluzzo’s] counsel has","paragraph_id":"para_422"},{"text":"and will exercise additional work, effort, and skill in answering","paragraph_id":"para_423"},{"text":"and responding to this appeal considering all costs, briefs,","paragraph_id":"para_424"},{"text":"pleadings and oral arguments herein; and based upon","paragraph_id":"para_425"},{"text":"[Valluzzo’s] efforts, [Ms. Reissland] must pay the costs of this","paragraph_id":"para_426"},{"text":"additional effort to [Valluzzo] pursuant to La. C.C.P. Art.","paragraph_id":"para_427"},{"text":"2133(A).","paragraph_id":"para_428"},{"text":"[5]. Except as specifically set forth in the Answer by [Valluzzo]","paragraph_id":"para_429"},{"text":"herein, [Valluzzo] prays that the Judgment of the Trial Court","paragraph_id":"para_430"},{"text":"rendered on December 5, 2024, be specifically affirmed and","paragraph_id":"para_431"},{"text":"approved, subject to the specific demands, modifications and","paragraph_id":"para_432"},{"text":"revisions set forth in [Valluzzo’s] Answer herein; That the","paragraph_id":"para_433"},{"text":"Judgment of the Trial Court rendered in Open Court on January","paragraph_id":"para_434"},{"text":"6, 2025, and signed as a Written Judgment on January 13, 2025,","paragraph_id":"para_435"},{"text":"granting restitution of benefits be affirmed and approved herein,","paragraph_id":"para_436"},{"text":"except for the specific demands, modifications, revisions, as set","paragraph_id":"para_437"},{"text":"forth in the Answer by [Valluzzo] herein; and","paragraph_id":"para_438"},{"text":"[6]. That [Ms. Reissland] be condemned to pay all costs and all","paragraph_id":"para_439"},{"text":"expenses and applicable recoverable amounts of this appeal to","paragraph_id":"para_440"},{"text":"[Valluzzo].","paragraph_id":"para_441"},{"text":"We begin our discussion with Ms. Reissland’s assignments of error before","paragraph_id":"para_442"},{"text":"resolving Valluzzo’s assignments of error and the requests in Valluzzo’s Answer.","paragraph_id":"para_443"},{"text":"15","paragraph_id":"para_444"},{"text":"DISCUSSION","paragraph_id":"para_445","court_paragraph":15},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s Assignments of Error","paragraph_id":"para_446"},{"text":"Assignment of Error Number One: The WCJ’s Finding Ms. Reissland Violated","paragraph_id":"para_447"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1208 and Forfeited Her Right to Benefits","paragraph_id":"para_448"},{"text":"In her first assignment of error, Ms. Reissland asserts the WCJ “was","paragraph_id":"para_449"},{"text":"manifestly erroneous in finding [she] committed fraud pursuant to La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_450"},{"text":"23:1208.” At the outset, Ms. Reissland contends she did not make any false","paragraph_id":"para_451"},{"text":"statements. Nonetheless, Ms. Reissland further contends that to the extent she","paragraph_id":"para_452"},{"text":"made “false” statements, she did not make them “willfully.” That is, Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_453"},{"text":"argues it “was clearly not the case” that she “intentionally misrepresented her past","paragraph_id":"para_454"},{"text":"medical history . . . and . . . withheld . . . information . . . for the purpose of","paragraph_id":"para_455"},{"text":"obtaining benefits.” Additionally, Ms. Reissland argues that “[t]o the extent [she]","paragraph_id":"para_456"},{"text":"made ‘false’ statements,” they “were inadvertent and inconsequential.” In this","paragraph_id":"para_457"},{"text":"regard, she cites to jurisprudence for the proposition that if treating physicians do","paragraph_id":"para_458"},{"text":"not change their opinions about the causation element of a workers’ compensation","paragraph_id":"para_459"},{"text":"claimant’s claim, then the misrepresentation was inadvertent and inconsequential.","paragraph_id":"para_460"},{"text":"Countering, Valluzo asserts the WCJ “made a correct factual finding, based","paragraph_id":"para_461"},{"text":"on all testimony and evidence presented at trial, that [Ms. Reissland], made willful","paragraph_id":"para_462"},{"text":"misrepresentations and committed fraud pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208 and forfeited","paragraph_id":"para_463"},{"text":"all benefits.” In particular, Valluzzo argues that “[c]ontrary to [her] testimony,","paragraph_id":"para_464"},{"text":"[Ms. Reissland’s] prior medical records reveal that she has an extensive past","paragraph_id":"para_465"},{"text":"medical history of low back pain and treatment since at least 2009 through 2023.”","paragraph_id":"para_466"},{"text":"Additionally, Valluzzo asserts Ms. Reissland made “significant false statements”","paragraph_id":"para_467"},{"text":"regarding her “medical evaluations and treatment after the accident with Dr. May","paragraph_id":"para_468"},{"text":"at Depaul Community Health Clinic.”","paragraph_id":"para_469"},{"text":"16","paragraph_id":"para_470"},{"text":"The WCJ ruled Ms. Reissland forfeited her rights to workers’ compensation","paragraph_id":"para_471","court_paragraph":16},{"text":"benefits due to her violation of La. R.S. 23:1208. Louisiana Revised Statutes","paragraph_id":"para_472"},{"text":"23:1208(A) states that “[i]t shall be unlawful for any person, for the purpose of","paragraph_id":"para_473"},{"text":"obtaining or defeating any benefit or payment under the provisions of this Chapter,","paragraph_id":"para_474"},{"text":"either for himself or for any other person, to willfully make a false statement or","paragraph_id":"para_475"},{"text":"representation.” The statute delineates criminal and civil penalties a workers’","paragraph_id":"para_476"},{"text":"compensation judge may assess when an employee violates La. R.S. 23:1208(A).","paragraph_id":"para_477"},{"text":"Additionally, if a violation of La. R.S. 23:1208(A) occurs, the “employee . . . shall","paragraph_id":"para_478"},{"text":". . . forfeit any right to compensation benefits under this Chapter.” La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_479"},{"text":"23:1208(E). Disqualification from benefits under La. R.S. 23:1208 occurs when","paragraph_id":"para_480"},{"text":"there is “1) a false statement or representation, 2) which is willfully made, and 3)","paragraph_id":"para_481"},{"text":"which is made for the purpose of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits.”","paragraph_id":"para_482"},{"text":"Baker v. Harrah’s, 2015-0229, p. 32 (La. App. 4 Cir. 3/9/16), 190 So.3d 379, 399","paragraph_id":"para_483"},{"text":"(citing Resweber v. Haroil Constr. Co., 1994-2708, 3138, p. 7 (La. 9/5/95), 660","paragraph_id":"para_484"},{"text":"So.2d 7, 12).","paragraph_id":"para_485"},{"text":"Because “[t]he issue of whether an employee has forfeited her rights to","paragraph_id":"para_486"},{"text":"benefits is a factual determination,” the appellate court “should not . . . disturb[]”","paragraph_id":"para_487"},{"text":"that finding “on appeal absent manifest error.” Hebert v. Fresh Market, Inc., 2019-","paragraph_id":"para_488"},{"text":"0412, p. 19 (La. App. 4 Cir. 9/18/19), 280 So.3d 756, 771 (citing Baker, 2015-","paragraph_id":"para_489"},{"text":"0229, p. 32 (La. App. 4 Cir. 3/9/16), 190 So.3d 379, 399). Under that standard of","paragraph_id":"para_490"},{"text":"review, “the appellate court determines whether the trier of fact’s conclusion was","paragraph_id":"para_491"},{"text":"reasonable, not whether the trier of fact was right or wrong.” Safford v. New","paragraph_id":"para_492"},{"text":"Orleans Fire Dep’t, 2023-0495, p. 23 (La. App. 4 Cir. 2/1/24), 384 So.3d 909, 928","paragraph_id":"para_493"},{"text":"(citing Thibodaux v. Grand Isle Shipyard, 2016-0583, p. 6 (La. App. 4 Cir.","paragraph_id":"para_494"},{"text":"12/21/16), 207 So.3d 459, 464). Nevertheless, “if legal error interdicts the fact-","paragraph_id":"para_495"},{"text":"17","paragraph_id":"para_496"},{"text":"finding process in a workers’ compensation proceeding, then the appellate court","paragraph_id":"para_497","court_paragraph":17},{"text":"applies the de novo standard of review instead.” Id. (internal quotation marks","paragraph_id":"para_498"},{"text":"omitted) (quoting Thibodaux, 2016-0583, p. 6, 207 So.3d at 465). As this Court has","paragraph_id":"para_499"},{"text":"explained, “Statutory forfeiture is a harsh remedy and must be strictly construed.”","paragraph_id":"para_500"},{"text":"Hebert, 2019-0412, p. 19, 280 So.3d at 771 (citing Baker, 2015-0229, p. 32, 190","paragraph_id":"para_501"},{"text":"So.3d at 399). Therefore, an “inadvertent or inconsequential statement[] will not","paragraph_id":"para_502"},{"text":"give rise to a finding of a willful misstatement, triggering statutory penalties.” Id.","paragraph_id":"para_503"},{"text":"In an Opinion issued by this Court, Hutchison v. Aldworth Co., the focus, in","paragraph_id":"para_504"},{"text":"pertinent part, was on whether the medical providers’ opinions as to the worker’s","paragraph_id":"para_505"},{"text":"injury would change upon learning about the worker’s misstatements regarding","paragraph_id":"para_506"},{"text":"prior complaints to the body part allegedly injured in the workplace accident.","paragraph_id":"para_507"},{"text":"2004-0024, pp. 9-10 (La. App. 4 Cir. 11/10/04), 888 So.2d 1052, 1058. This Court","paragraph_id":"para_508"},{"text":"found the employer had “not put forth any evidence that any of [the employee’s]","paragraph_id":"para_509"},{"text":"alleged false statements were made for the purpose of obtaining compensation","paragraph_id":"para_510"},{"text":"benefits.” Id. at p. 9, 888 So.2d at 1058. Specifically, this Court noted the employer","paragraph_id":"para_511"},{"text":"“present[ed] no evidence from any of the medical providers that their findings","paragraph_id":"para_512"},{"text":"regarding [the employee’s] disability status and their opinion that the work","paragraph_id":"para_513"},{"text":"accident aggravated [his] preexisting condition would have changed as a result of","paragraph_id":"para_514"},{"text":"these purported false statements.” Id. at pp. 9-10, 888 So.2d at 1058. Accordingly,","paragraph_id":"para_515"},{"text":"this Court affirmed the workers’ compensation judge’s denial of the employer’s","paragraph_id":"para_516"},{"text":"claim for forfeiture of benefits pursuant to La. R.S 23:1208. Id. at p. 10, 888 So.2d","paragraph_id":"para_517"},{"text":"at 1058. Similarly, in Ebarb v. Boise Cascade Co., the Louisiana Third Circuit","paragraph_id":"para_518"},{"text":"Court of Appeal (“Third Circuit”) found no manifest error in the workers’","paragraph_id":"para_519"},{"text":"compensation judge’s denial of the employer’s La. R.S. 12:1208 fraud defense as it","paragraph_id":"para_520"},{"text":"related to the employee’s lower back claim. 2016-94, p. 19 (La. App. 3 Cir.","paragraph_id":"para_521"},{"text":"18","paragraph_id":"para_522"},{"text":"7/13/16), 202 So.3d 1087, 1100. The Third Circuit noted that “all of the physicians","paragraph_id":"para_523","court_paragraph":18},{"text":"found that [the employee] suffered at least a sprain or a strain of her lower back as","paragraph_id":"para_524"},{"text":"a result of her March 26, 2012 work-related accident.” Id. Additionally, the Third","paragraph_id":"para_525"},{"text":"Circuit pointed out that one of the doctors “admitted that while he would consider","paragraph_id":"para_526"},{"text":"any prior medical records in reaching an opinion on causation, he denied that he","paragraph_id":"para_527"},{"text":"would automatically change his opinion if presented with medical records","paragraph_id":"para_528"},{"text":"evidencing [the employee] had prior lower back complaints.” Id.","paragraph_id":"para_529"},{"text":"In the matter sub judice, we find the WCJ erred in failing to consider the","paragraph_id":"para_530"},{"text":"effect—or lack thereof—of Ms. Reissland’s alleged misstatements and thus failed","paragraph_id":"para_531"},{"text":"to consider whether they were inadvertent or inconsequential. As in Hutchison and","paragraph_id":"para_532"},{"text":"Ebarb, we likewise note the absence of evidence from any of the medical providers","paragraph_id":"para_533"},{"text":"that their opinion about Ms. Reissland’s injury would change based on her alleged","paragraph_id":"para_534"},{"text":"misstatements about her prior back pain and problems, as well as her history of","paragraph_id":"para_535"},{"text":"treatment for back pain and problems. In fact, Dr. Rodriguez opined Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_536"},{"text":"sustained an injury related to her workplace accident and suffered from left leg","paragraph_id":"para_537"},{"text":"radiculopathy after the accident. Dr. Rodriguez stated that even upon learning Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_538"},{"text":"Reissland had prior back pain and problems, this did not change his opinion.","paragraph_id":"para_539"},{"text":"Additionally, Dr. Rodriguez characterized Ms. Reissland’s post-accident pain as “a","paragraph_id":"para_540"},{"text":"completely new issue.” In his supplemental report, Dr. Lurie merely found that Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_541"},{"text":"Reissland misstated her history of back pain and problems based on her medical","paragraph_id":"para_542"},{"text":"records but did not mention how or if this affected his diagnosis.","paragraph_id":"para_543"},{"text":"Similarly, Valluzzo contends Ms. Reissland misrepresented her treatment","paragraph_id":"para_544"},{"text":"history when she claimed she saw Dr. May on the day after the accident because","paragraph_id":"para_545"},{"text":"Dr. May had no record of a visit for that date. Again, the issue is whether this","paragraph_id":"para_546"},{"text":"alleged misstatement changed any of the medical providers’ opinions. Though","paragraph_id":"para_547"},{"text":"19","paragraph_id":"para_548"},{"text":"seeking treatment immediately following the accident might have bolstered Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_549","court_paragraph":19},{"text":"Reissland’s claim that she suffered a workplace injury the day prior, none of the","paragraph_id":"para_550"},{"text":"medical providers stated their opinion would change upon learning that Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_551"},{"text":"Reissland did not in fact see Dr. May the day after the accident. Accordingly, we","paragraph_id":"para_552"},{"text":"reverse the WCJ’s December 5, 2024 judgment insofar as it held Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_553"},{"text":"violated La. R.S. 23:1208 and forfeited her right to workers’ compensation","paragraph_id":"para_554"},{"text":"benefits.","paragraph_id":"para_555"},{"text":"Further, we note that La. R.S. 23:1201.3(A) provides:","paragraph_id":"para_556"},{"text":"If payment of compensation or an installment payment of","paragraph_id":"para_557"},{"text":"compensation due under the terms of an award, except in case of","paragraph_id":"para_558"},{"text":"appeals from an award, is not made within ten days after the same is","paragraph_id":"para_559"},{"text":"due by the employer or insurance carrier liable therefor, the workers’","paragraph_id":"para_560"},{"text":"compensation judge may order a certified copy of the award to be","paragraph_id":"para_561"},{"text":"filed in the office of the clerk of court of any parish, which award","paragraph_id":"para_562"},{"text":"whether accumulative or lump sum, when recorded in the mortgage","paragraph_id":"para_563"},{"text":"records, shall be a judicial mortgage as provided in Civil Code Article","paragraph_id":"para_564"},{"text":"3299. Any compensation awarded and all payments thereof directed to","paragraph_id":"para_565"},{"text":"be made by order of the workers’ compensation judge shall bear","paragraph_id":"para_566"},{"text":"judicial interest from the date compensation was due until the date of","paragraph_id":"para_567"},{"text":"satisfaction. The interest rate shall be fixed at the rate in effect on the","paragraph_id":"para_568"},{"text":"date the claim for benefits was filed with the office of workers'","paragraph_id":"para_569"},{"text":"compensation administration.","paragraph_id":"para_570"},{"text":"As explained by the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, “Because the","paragraph_id":"para_571"},{"text":"language of [La. R.S. 23:101.3(A)] is mandatory, an award of legal interest in","paragraph_id":"para_572"},{"text":"workers’ compensation cases is not discretionary with the court, as the interest","paragraph_id":"para_573"},{"text":"attaches automatically until the judgment is satisfied, whether prayed for in the","paragraph_id":"para_574"},{"text":"petition or mentioned in the judgment.” Phillips v. Joseph Mgmt. Servs., Inc.,","paragraph_id":"para_575"},{"text":"2003-715, p. 13 (La. App. 5 Cir. 11/12/03), 861 So.2d 625, 634. See also La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_576"},{"text":"1:3 (stating that “[t]he word ‘shall’ is mandatory and the word ‘may’ is","paragraph_id":"para_577"},{"text":"permissive”). Thus, Ms. Reissland is entitled to interest from the date","paragraph_id":"para_578"},{"text":"compensation was due and until the date of satisfaction per La. R.S. 23:1201.3(A).","paragraph_id":"para_579"},{"text":"20","paragraph_id":"para_580"},{"text":"Assignment of Error Number Two: The Award of Restitution under La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_581","court_paragraph":20},{"text":"23:1208 through the date of the December 5, 2024 Judgment","paragraph_id":"para_582"},{"text":"Next, and in the alternative, Ms. Reissland asserts the WCJ abused its","paragraph_id":"para_583"},{"text":"discretion in awarding restitution pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208 through the date of","paragraph_id":"para_584"},{"text":"its December 5, 2024 judgment. Having reversed the finding in the WCJ’s","paragraph_id":"para_585"},{"text":"December 5, 2024 judgment that Ms. Reissland violated La. R.S. 23:1208 and","paragraph_id":"para_586"},{"text":"forfeited her right to benefits, we also necessarily vacate the WCJ’s January 13,","paragraph_id":"para_587"},{"text":"2025 restitution judgment, which ordered Ms. Reissland to reimburse the benefits","paragraph_id":"para_588"},{"text":"she received and to pay a penalty. This assignment of error as is now moot.","paragraph_id":"para_589"},{"text":"Assignment of Error Number Three: The Calculation of Ms. Reissland’s","paragraph_id":"para_590"},{"text":"Indemnity Benefits Based on Her Classification as a “Part Time” Worker","paragraph_id":"para_591"},{"text":"Next, Ms. Reissland argues the WCJ “committed legal error in calculating","paragraph_id":"para_592"},{"text":"[her] indemnity benefits based on her classification as a ‘part time’ worker.” Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_593"},{"text":"Reissland disputes that Valluzzo hired her as a part-time employee; and she notes","paragraph_id":"para_594"},{"text":"that under La. R.S. 23:1021(11), the record must demonstrate an “objective finding","paragraph_id":"para_595"},{"text":"that the employee knowingly accepted employment under [the limited conditions","paragraph_id":"para_596"},{"text":"delineated in La. R.S. 23:1021(11)] at the time of his [or her] hiring.” Accordingly,","paragraph_id":"para_597"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland contends the WCJ should have calculated her average weekly wage","paragraph_id":"para_598"},{"text":"using the forty-hour presumption contained in La. R.S. 23:1021(13)(a)(i), which","paragraph_id":"para_599"},{"text":"would yield an average weekly wage of $440.00 with an applicable compensation","paragraph_id":"para_600"},{"text":"rate of $293.33. Valluzzo does not address this assignment of error in its brief to","paragraph_id":"para_601"},{"text":"this Court.","paragraph_id":"para_602"},{"text":"In defining “part-time employee,” La. R.S. 23:1021(11) provides that this is","paragraph_id":"para_603"},{"text":"“an employee who as a condition of his [or her] hiring knowingly accepts","paragraph_id":"para_604"},{"text":"employment that (a) customarily provides for less than forty hours per work week,","paragraph_id":"para_605"},{"text":"and (b) that is classified by the employer as a part-time position.” If an","paragraph_id":"para_606"},{"text":"21","paragraph_id":"para_607"},{"text":"employment contract does not comply with the definition of part-time employment","paragraph_id":"para_608","court_paragraph":21},{"text":"found in La. R.S. 23:1021(11), it does not controvert the plaintiff-employee’s","paragraph_id":"para_609"},{"text":"claim of full-time status. Leger v. A-1 Nursing Registry, 1998-1731, p. 4 (La. App.","paragraph_id":"para_610"},{"text":"3 Cir. 4/28/99), 737 So.2d 142, 144. As explained by the Third Circuit, “[a]ny","paragraph_id":"para_611"},{"text":"measure short of informing the employee of his part-time status does not satisfy","paragraph_id":"para_612"},{"text":"the” definition of part-time employee found in La. R.S. 23:1021(11). Id. (quoting","paragraph_id":"para_613"},{"text":"Scott v. Central Indus., Inc., 602 So.2d 201 (La. App. 3d Cir. 1992)). Additionally,","paragraph_id":"para_614"},{"text":"pay stubs cannot establish an employee’s status as full- or part-time because the","paragraph_id":"para_615"},{"text":"employee does not receive these until after accepting his or her position. Id. at pp.","paragraph_id":"para_616"},{"text":"8-9, 737 So.2d at 147.","paragraph_id":"para_617"},{"text":"In Johnson v. Travelers Insurance Co., the Third Circuit focused on the","paragraph_id":"para_618"},{"text":"“knowingly” aspect of La. R.S. 23:1021(11), stating:","paragraph_id":"para_619"},{"text":"The record is replete with evidence that plaintiff did not “knowingly”","paragraph_id":"para_620"},{"text":"accept employment that customarily provides for less than forty hours","paragraph_id":"para_621"},{"text":"per week. Plaintiff considered himself to be a full-time, regular","paragraph_id":"para_622"},{"text":"employee. . . . Furthermore, plaintiff was always available for work","paragraph_id":"para_623"},{"text":"and he worked as much as they needed him. The record reflects that","paragraph_id":"para_624"},{"text":"plaintiff was never told that he was classified or considered “part-","paragraph_id":"para_625"},{"text":"time”. It is incumbent upon employers to define “part-time” status of","paragraph_id":"para_626"},{"text":"certain employees and to establish some procedure to satisfy the","paragraph_id":"para_627"},{"text":"criterion that the employee had knowingly taken a part-time job.","paragraph_id":"para_628"},{"text":"509 So.2d 519, 521 (La. App. 3d Cir. 1987). In so ruling, the Third Circuit also","paragraph_id":"para_629"},{"text":"quoted favorably from the trial court’s reasons for judgment, which emphasized a","paragraph_id":"para_630"},{"text":"liberal construction of La. R.S. 23:1021 in favor of the employee:","paragraph_id":"para_631"},{"text":"“Workmen’s Compensation rests upon the sound economic principle","paragraph_id":"para_632"},{"text":"that those who enjoy the product of a business-whether it be in the","paragraph_id":"para_633"},{"text":"form of goods or services-should ultimately bear the costs of the","paragraph_id":"para_634"},{"text":"injuries or deaths that are incident to the manufacture, preparation and","paragraph_id":"para_635"},{"text":"distribution of the product.” Malone and Johnson, supra, Section 32,","paragraph_id":"para_636"},{"text":"p. 38. These costs are then passed on to the consumer. supra, Section","paragraph_id":"para_637"},{"text":"32, p. 39. The alternative is to have the employee shoulder the costs","paragraph_id":"para_638"},{"text":"for which he is ill equipped to do, and he cannot pass the costs on to","paragraph_id":"para_639"},{"text":"the consumer. See also Trappey v. Lumberman’s Mut. Cas. Co. 229","paragraph_id":"para_640"},{"text":"22","paragraph_id":"para_641"},{"text":"La. 632, 86 So.2d 515 (1956); Green v. Heard Motors Co., 224 La.","paragraph_id":"para_642","court_paragraph":22},{"text":"1077, 71 So.2d 849 (1954). Our Supreme Court held that the","paragraph_id":"para_643"},{"text":"Compensation Act must be given a liberal interpretation to effecurate","paragraph_id":"para_644"},{"text":"[sic] its beneficent purpose of relieving workmen of the crusing [sic]","paragraph_id":"para_645"},{"text":"economic burden of work-connected injuries by diffusing the cost in","paragraph_id":"para_646"},{"text":"channels of commerce. Danielsen v. Security VanLines, Inc. 245 La.","paragraph_id":"para_647"},{"text":"450, 158 So.2d 609 (1963).","paragraph_id":"para_648"},{"text":"Id., 509 So.2d at 520 (alterations in original).","paragraph_id":"para_649"},{"text":"In Leger, the plaintiff-employee filed a Disputed Claim for Compensation –","paragraph_id":"para_650"},{"text":"Form 1008, in which she “claimed she should be receiving the maximum","paragraph_id":"para_651"},{"text":"compensation rate of $330.00 a week rather than the $268.75 she was receiving at","paragraph_id":"para_652"},{"text":"the time.” 1998-1731, p. 2, 737 So.2d at 143. “[T]he workers’ compensation judge","paragraph_id":"para_653"},{"text":"found that [the plaintiff-employee] was a full-time employee entitled to the","paragraph_id":"para_654"},{"text":"maximum compensation rate of $330.00 based on a forty[-]hour presumption of","paragraph_id":"para_655"},{"text":"wages” but “denied [her] request for penalties and legal fees.” Id. On appeal, the","paragraph_id":"para_656"},{"text":"defendant-employers asserted the workers’ compensation judge erred in finding the","paragraph_id":"para_657"},{"text":"plaintiff-employee was a full-time employee, and the plaintiff-employee asserted","paragraph_id":"para_658"},{"text":"the workers’ compensation judge erred in not awarding penalties and attorney’s","paragraph_id":"para_659"},{"text":"fees to her. Id. at pp. 3, 6, 737 So.2d at 144-145. On appeal, the Third Circuit","paragraph_id":"para_660"},{"text":"affirmed the finding that the plaintiff-employee was a full-time employee. Id. at p.","paragraph_id":"para_661"},{"text":"4, 737 So.2d at 144. In so ruling, the Third Circuit noted the defendant-employers","paragraph_id":"para_662"},{"text":"relied on the plaintiff-employee’s employment contract and pay stubs to prove that","paragraph_id":"para_663"},{"text":"they were reasonable in believing her position was a part-time one. Id. at p. 7, 737","paragraph_id":"para_664"},{"text":"So.2d at 146. The Third Circuit explained that the employment contract did not","paragraph_id":"para_665"},{"text":"comply with definition of part-time employment found in La. R.S. 23:1021 so as to","paragraph_id":"para_666"},{"text":"controvert the plaintiff-employee’s claim of full-time status. Id. at p. 8, 737 So.2d","paragraph_id":"para_667"},{"text":"at 157. Regarding the pay stubs, the Third Circuit explained that these “show[ed]","paragraph_id":"para_668"},{"text":"nothing more than that [the plaintiff-employee] did not work forty hours a week”","paragraph_id":"para_669"},{"text":"23","paragraph_id":"para_670"},{"text":"but could not “show that [she] accepted the position knowing it was part-time since","paragraph_id":"para_671","court_paragraph":23},{"text":"any pay checks could not have been received until after the position was accepted.”","paragraph_id":"para_672"},{"text":"Id. at pp. 8-9, 737 So.2d at 147. For those reasons, the Third Circuit also found the","paragraph_id":"para_673"},{"text":"defendant-employers failed to reasonably controvert the plaintiff-employee’s claim","paragraph_id":"para_674"},{"text":"that she should have been treated as a full-time employee for workers-","paragraph_id":"para_675"},{"text":"compensation benefits. Id.","paragraph_id":"para_676"},{"text":"We find Leger analogous to the matter sub judice. As previously defined,","paragraph_id":"para_677"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s situation does not comport with the definition of part-time","paragraph_id":"para_678"},{"text":"employee found in La. R.S. 23:1021(9). In discussing the computation of Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_679"},{"text":"Reissland’s benefits, Ms. Sulik testified that the “job code” listed on Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_680"},{"text":"Reissland’s pay stubs was “job code 100” which indicated “crew member,” and","paragraph_id":"para_681"},{"text":"Ms. Sulik explained that all crew members are considered part-time employees.","paragraph_id":"para_682"},{"text":"Even assuming arguendo that Ms. Reissland knew what the “job code 100”","paragraph_id":"para_683"},{"text":"designation meant, as in Leger, Ms. Reissland’s pay stubs are not evidence that she","paragraph_id":"para_684"},{"text":"accepted the position knowing it was part-time because she did not receive any pay","paragraph_id":"para_685"},{"text":"checks until after she agreed to work for Valluzzo. Further, Ms. Sulik testified that","paragraph_id":"para_686"},{"text":"there was a distinction between crew members and salaried managers in that","paragraph_id":"para_687"},{"text":"Valluzzo considered only the latter to be full-time employees, but nothing in Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_688"},{"text":"Reissland’s employment documents delineates this distinction nor could Ms. Sulik","paragraph_id":"para_689"},{"text":"point to a written document establishing same. That is, while Valluzzo classified","paragraph_id":"para_690"},{"text":"this as a part-time position per La. R.S. 23:1021(11), the problem is that Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_691"},{"text":"Reissland did not know this. The Valluzzo policy handbook defines part-time","paragraph_id":"para_692"},{"text":"employees as “those who are not assigned to a temporary or introductory status and","paragraph_id":"para_693"},{"text":"who are regularly scheduled to work less than the full-time work schedule.” Again,","paragraph_id":"para_694"},{"text":"whether Ms. Reissland ultimately would or would not be “regularly scheduled to","paragraph_id":"para_695"},{"text":"24","paragraph_id":"para_696"},{"text":"work less than the full-time work schedule,” was not information known to Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_697","court_paragraph":24},{"text":"Reissland’s at the time she accepted the position with Valluzzo. In fact, Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_698"},{"text":"Reissland testified during her deposition that Valluzzo informed her that she would","paragraph_id":"para_699"},{"text":"be a full-time employee. Valluzzo failed to offer any evidence in writing or any","paragraph_id":"para_700"},{"text":"testimony to show they informed Ms. Reissland that she would be a part-time","paragraph_id":"para_701"},{"text":"employee. As in Johnson, Ms. Reissland testified about working overtime on","paragraph_id":"para_702"},{"text":"multiple occasions during her tenure on the job, such that she was available to","paragraph_id":"para_703"},{"text":"work and worked when Valluzzo needed her. Also as in Johnson, it was incumbent","paragraph_id":"para_704"},{"text":"upon Valluzzo—as the employer—to define the “part-time” status of Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_705"},{"text":"Reissland and to establish some procedure to satisfy the criterion that she","paragraph_id":"para_706"},{"text":"knowingly accepted part-time employment. Valluzzo failed to do that. Therefore,","paragraph_id":"para_707"},{"text":"we agree with Ms. Reissland that the WCJ erred in calculating her indemnity","paragraph_id":"para_708"},{"text":"benefits based on her classification as a part-time worker. We remand with","paragraph_id":"para_709"},{"text":"instructions to the WCJ to calculate Ms. Reissland’s benefits based on La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_710"},{"text":"23:1021(13)(a)(i).","paragraph_id":"para_711"},{"text":"Assignment of Error Number Four: Penalties and Attorney’s Fees Pursuant to","paragraph_id":"para_712"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201(I) and/or (F)","paragraph_id":"para_713"},{"text":"Next, in her fourth assignment of error, Ms. Reissland contends the WCJ","paragraph_id":"para_714"},{"text":"erred in failing to award multiple penalties and attorney’s fees pursuant to La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_715"},{"text":"23:1201.1(I) and/or (F). In this section of her brief, Ms. Reissland asserts five","paragraph_id":"para_716"},{"text":"reasons why she is entitled to certain penalties and fees. We will discuss each","paragraph_id":"para_717"},{"text":"reason in turn.","paragraph_id":"para_718"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s First Argument","paragraph_id":"para_719"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland contends that although “La. R.S. 23:1201(K)(2) provides an","paragraph_id":"para_720"},{"text":"employer ‘safe harbor’ protection from imposition of penalties and attorney’s fees","paragraph_id":"para_721"},{"text":"25","paragraph_id":"para_722"},{"text":"if it accepts and complies with a [workers’ compensation judge’s] preliminary","paragraph_id":"para_723","court_paragraph":25},{"text":"determination,” that “employer must first show it complied with La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_724"},{"text":"23:1201.1(A)-(E)” to be entitled to said preliminary determination. Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_725"},{"text":"argues that the WCJ legally erred in finding that Valluzzo was entitled to a PDH","paragraph_id":"para_726"},{"text":"under La. R.S. 23:1201.1(H) as Valluzzo failed to comply with La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_727"},{"text":"23:1201.1(A)-(E). More particularly, Ms. Reissland argues Valluzzo did not","paragraph_id":"para_728"},{"text":"comply with La. R.S. 23:1201.1(A) when it “failed to issue Notices of","paragraph_id":"para_729"},{"text":"Controversion (LWC-WC Form 1002)” upon denying Dr. Rodriguez’s request for","paragraph_id":"para_730"},{"text":"authorization for continued care and injections. Ms. Reissland asserts that because","paragraph_id":"para_731"},{"text":"Valluzzo was not entitled to the PDH in the first place, it was also not entitled to","paragraph_id":"para_732"},{"text":"the safe harbor provisions of La. R.S. 23:1201.1(K)(2), such that she is entitled to","paragraph_id":"para_733"},{"text":"penalties and attorney’s fees under that statute.","paragraph_id":"para_734"},{"text":"In response, Valluzzo counters that Ms. Reissland “did not file or assert any","paragraph_id":"para_735"},{"text":"timely objection or proffer whatsoever that [it] had not issued the appropriate LWC","paragraph_id":"para_736"},{"text":"Form 1002 contesting causation.” Valluzzo argues Ms. Reissland “is now","paragraph_id":"para_737"},{"text":"improperly and untimely asserting this objection to the PDH at the [a]ppellate level","paragraph_id":"para_738"},{"text":"without ever making any timely objection whatsoever at the [t]rial [c]ourt level.”","paragraph_id":"para_739"},{"text":"We agree with Valluzzo.","paragraph_id":"para_740"},{"text":"Rule 1-3 of the Uniform Rules of the Courts of Appeal provides, in pertinent","paragraph_id":"para_741"},{"text":"part, that “[t]he Courts of Appeal shall review issues that were submitted to the","paragraph_id":"para_742"},{"text":"trial court and that are contained in specifications or assignments of error, unless","paragraph_id":"para_743"},{"text":"the interest of justice requires otherwise.” Under that rule, “in general, issues not","paragraph_id":"para_744"},{"text":"argued before the trial court for decision will not be considered for the first time on","paragraph_id":"para_745"},{"text":"appeal, unless the interest of justice clearly requires otherwise.” Clavo v. Fara Ins.","paragraph_id":"para_746"},{"text":"Serv., 2018-0727, p. 7 (La. App. 4 Cir. 1/30/19), 363 So.3d 286, 291 (first citing","paragraph_id":"para_747"},{"text":"26","paragraph_id":"para_748"},{"text":"Hurst v. Dep’t of Police, 2014-0119, p. 6 (La. App. 4 Cir. 7/23/14), 146 So.3d 857,","paragraph_id":"para_749","court_paragraph":26},{"text":"860-61; and then citing Uniform Rules, Courts of Appeal, Rule 1-3). In discussing","paragraph_id":"para_750"},{"text":"the “interest of justice” exception, the Third Circuit has explained that it “is not","paragraph_id":"para_751"},{"text":"without limitation” and listed the following “limited circumstances” when courts","paragraph_id":"para_752"},{"text":"have applied it:","paragraph_id":"para_753"},{"text":"(a) when fundamental constitutional due process is involved; (b) when","paragraph_id":"para_754"},{"text":"a jurisdictional concern is implicated; (c) when a trial judge may have","paragraph_id":"para_755"},{"text":"had improper ex parte communication; (d) where the proper resolution","paragraph_id":"para_756"},{"text":"of an issue is beyond a doubt or where injustice might occur; (e) when","paragraph_id":"para_757"},{"text":"an incorrect law has been applied; and (f) when a pure question of law","paragraph_id":"para_758"},{"text":"is involved and the failure to consider it would result in the","paragraph_id":"para_759"},{"text":"miscarriage of justice.","paragraph_id":"para_760"},{"text":"Bayou Bridge Pipeline, LLC v. 38.00 Acres, 2019-565, p. 9 (La. App. 3 Cir.","paragraph_id":"para_761"},{"text":"7/15/20), 304 So.3d 529, 539.","paragraph_id":"para_762"},{"text":"If the interest of justice exception does not apply and a party presents an","paragraph_id":"para_763"},{"text":"argument for the first time on appeal, then that party “seek[s] to introduce a","paragraph_id":"para_764"},{"text":"completely new issue to th[e] case,” one which “was neither presented . . . to the","paragraph_id":"para_765"},{"text":"trial court, nor ruled upon by the trial court.” McLane v. S., Inc. v. Bridges, 2013-","paragraph_id":"para_766"},{"text":"1819 (La. App. 1 Cir. 11/3/14), 2014 WL 5588893, at *4. Were an appellate court","paragraph_id":"para_767"},{"text":"to consider that new issue, it would be equivalent to permitting a party to shift to a","paragraph_id":"para_768"},{"text":"new argument and to “a better horse to ride” at the appellate level after “[h]aving","paragraph_id":"para_769"},{"text":"met with a lack of success at the trial court with” her original argument. Id., at *4.","paragraph_id":"para_770"},{"text":"This is unfair to the opposing party and presents potential judicial inefficiency","paragraph_id":"para_771"},{"text":"problems by not permitting the trial court to resolve issues in the first place. In","paragraph_id":"para_772"},{"text":"discussing Uniform Rule 1-3, the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal has","paragraph_id":"para_773"},{"text":"explained that “[La.] C.C.P. art. 2164 provides authority for [an appellate] court to","paragraph_id":"para_774"},{"text":"take up an issue raised . . . for the first time under special circumstances,” such as","paragraph_id":"para_775"},{"text":"“a workers’ compensation case, [or] one in which a party is appearing without the","paragraph_id":"para_776"},{"text":"27","paragraph_id":"para_777"},{"text":"benefit of legal counsel.” Id. (citing Pinkins v. Cardinal Wholesale Supply, Inc.,","paragraph_id":"para_778","court_paragraph":27},{"text":"619 So.2d 52, 55 (La. 1993)). Nonetheless, under the discretion vested in it by","paragraph_id":"para_779"},{"text":"Uniform Rule 1-3 and under La. C.C.P. art. 2164, an appellate court may decline to","paragraph_id":"para_780"},{"text":"consider an issue raised for the first time on appeal by a workers’ compensation","paragraph_id":"para_781"},{"text":"claimant. See Allen v. Affordable Home Furnishings, 2013-176, p. 4 (La. App. 3","paragraph_id":"para_782"},{"text":"Cir. 11/13/13), 130 So.3d 345, 347-48; James v. Formosa Plastics Corp. of La.,","paragraph_id":"para_783"},{"text":"1995-1749, p. 5 (La. App. 1 Cir. 4/4/96), 672 So.2d 319, 322.","paragraph_id":"para_784"},{"text":"Turning to the matter sub judice, Ms. Reissland did not present the issue of","paragraph_id":"para_785"},{"text":"whether Valluzzo violated La. R.S. 23:1201.1(A) by failing to issues Notices of","paragraph_id":"para_786"},{"text":"Controversion to the WCJ, nor did the WCJ rule upon same. Rather, in her Motion","paragraph_id":"para_787"},{"text":"to Strike, Ms. Reissland contended Valluzzo failed to demonstrate it complied with","paragraph_id":"para_788"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201.1(A) insofar as Valluzzo did not show that it sent a Notice of","paragraph_id":"para_789"},{"text":"Initial Payment (LWC-WC Form 1002) to Ms. Reissland on the same day that it","paragraph_id":"para_790"},{"text":"first issued compensation. The WCJ denied Ms. Reissland’s Motion to Strike on","paragraph_id":"para_791"},{"text":"this basis. Thus, having met with a lack of success before the WCJ, Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_792"},{"text":"now seeks to introduce a new issue and shift her argument on appeal. Using the","paragraph_id":"para_793"},{"text":"examples from Bayou Bridge Pipeline, LLC, “as guideposts,” we do not find that","paragraph_id":"para_794"},{"text":"the issue of whether Valluzzo complied with the requirements of La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_795"},{"text":"23:1201.1(A) insofar as issuing Notices of Controversion falls within the","paragraph_id":"para_796"},{"text":"parameters of the “interest of justice” exception. 2019-565, p. 9, 304 So.3d at 539.","paragraph_id":"para_797"},{"text":"Nor do we find that the circumstances of this case warrant us exercising our","paragraph_id":"para_798"},{"text":"discretion under La. C.C.P. art. 2164 and ruling on Ms. Reissland’s new argument.","paragraph_id":"para_799"},{"text":"Accordingly, we do not consider Ms. Reissland’s argument that the WCJ legally","paragraph_id":"para_800"},{"text":"erred in finding Valluzzo was entitled to a PDH even though Valluzzo failed to","paragraph_id":"para_801"},{"text":"issue Notices of Controversion.","paragraph_id":"para_802"},{"text":"28","paragraph_id":"para_803"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s Second Argument","paragraph_id":"para_804","court_paragraph":28},{"text":"In her second argument as to why the WCJ erred in failing to award multiple","paragraph_id":"para_805"},{"text":"penalties and attorney’s fees, Ms. Reissland contends Valluzzo forfeited the safe","paragraph_id":"para_806"},{"text":"harbor protections of La. R.S. 23:1201.1(K)(2) when it failed to comply with La.","paragraph_id":"para_807"},{"text":"R.S. 23:1201.1(J)(4). Specifically, Ms. Reissland asserts Valluzzo forfeited the","paragraph_id":"para_808"},{"text":"protections because Ms. Sulik testified at the PDH that she used the company","paragraph_id":"para_809"},{"text":"handbook when determining Ms. Reissland’s compensation benefits, yet Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_810"},{"text":"did not provide the company handbook to Ms. Reissland’s counsel within ten days","paragraph_id":"para_811"},{"text":"of her request for a PDH.","paragraph_id":"para_812"},{"text":"Louisiana Revised Statutes 23:1201.1 is titled “Controversion of","paragraph_id":"para_813"},{"text":"compensation and medical benefits.” In terms of the safe harbor protections","paragraph_id":"para_814"},{"text":"discussed by Ms. Reissland, La. R.S. 23:1201.1(K)(2) states that “[a]ny employer","paragraph_id":"para_815"},{"text":"or payor who accepts and complies with the workers’ compensation judge’s","paragraph_id":"para_816"},{"text":"determination within ten calendar days, shall not be subject to any penalty or","paragraph_id":"para_817"},{"text":"attorney fees arising out of the original notice which was the subject of the","paragraph_id":"para_818"},{"text":"preliminary hearing.” Turning to the section of the statute that Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_819"},{"text":"contends Valluzzo violated, La. R.S. 23:1201.1(J)(4) provides:","paragraph_id":"para_820"},{"text":"Any employer or payor requesting a preliminary determination","paragraph_id":"para_821"},{"text":"hearing shall produce all documentation relied on by the employer or","paragraph_id":"para_822"},{"text":"payor in calculating, modifying, suspending, terminating, or","paragraph_id":"para_823"},{"text":"controverting the employee’s benefits. These documents shall be","paragraph_id":"para_824"},{"text":"disclosed to the employee or the employee’s representative within ten","paragraph_id":"para_825"},{"text":"days of the request for the preliminary determination hearing.","paragraph_id":"para_826"},{"text":"Delineating the result of failing to comply with the statute, La. R.S. 23:1201.1(L)","paragraph_id":"para_827"},{"text":"states:","paragraph_id":"para_828"},{"text":"Notwithstanding any provision in this Section to the contrary, the","paragraph_id":"para_829"},{"text":"failure to comply with any provision of this Section shall not itself be","paragraph_id":"para_830"},{"text":"considered a failure to reasonably controvert benefits; however,","paragraph_id":"para_831"},{"text":"29","paragraph_id":"para_832"},{"text":"failure of the employer or payor to comply shall result in loss of","paragraph_id":"para_833","court_paragraph":29},{"text":"penalty and attorney fee protections provided in this Section.","paragraph_id":"para_834"},{"text":"In the matter sub judice, the record establishes Valluzzo first requested a","paragraph_id":"para_835"},{"text":"PDH on September 19, 2023, when it filed its Answer. Nonetheless, Valluzzo did","paragraph_id":"para_836"},{"text":"not provide a copy of the company handbook to Ms. Reissland’s counsel until","paragraph_id":"para_837"},{"text":"November 15, 2023. Thus, as Ms. Reissland correctly points out, Valluzzo violated","paragraph_id":"para_838"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201.1(J)(4). As Ms. Reissland also accurately explains, La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_839"},{"text":"23:1201.1(L) mandates the loss of the penalty and attorney’s fee protections","paragraph_id":"para_840"},{"text":"provided in La. R.S. 23:1201.1(K)(2) when an employer has failed to comply with","paragraph_id":"para_841"},{"text":"any part of the statute. Ms. Reissland is therefore correct that Valluzzo lost the","paragraph_id":"para_842"},{"text":"protections from penalties and attorney’s fees provided by La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_843"},{"text":"23:1201.1(K)(2). This merely means, however, that Valluzzo lost the protections","paragraph_id":"para_844"},{"text":"from penalties and attorney’s fees, not that Ms. Reissland is automatically entitled","paragraph_id":"para_845"},{"text":"to same absent us finding a basis for such an award. See Hendrick v. Patterson,","paragraph_id":"para_846"},{"text":"47,668, p. 16 (La. App. 2 Cir. 1/16/13), 109 So.3d 475, 484-85 (holding that","paragraph_id":"para_847"},{"text":"“[a]ttorney fees and penalties are never automatically assessed against the defeated","paragraph_id":"para_848"},{"text":"party, but rather are awarded only when the statutory requirements for such are","paragraph_id":"para_849"},{"text":"met”). Therefore, we will continue our consideration of Ms. Reissland’s arguments","paragraph_id":"para_850"},{"text":"as to why she is entitled to penalties and attorney’s fees.","paragraph_id":"para_851"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s Third Argument","paragraph_id":"para_852"},{"text":"Next, Ms. Reissland contends that when Valluzzo terminated her benefits","paragraph_id":"para_853"},{"text":"after she refused to sign a HIPPA authorization to allow Valluzzo’s counsel to","paragraph_id":"para_854"},{"text":"have access to her medical records prior to the beginning of litigation, Valluzzo’s","paragraph_id":"para_855"},{"text":"termination of her benefits was arbitrary, capricious, and without probable cause.","paragraph_id":"para_856"},{"text":"As explained by Ms. Reissland in her brief, after she signed a HIPPA authorization","paragraph_id":"para_857"},{"text":"30","paragraph_id":"para_858"},{"text":"permitting Valluzzo’s claims adjuster to access her medical records, Valluzzo then","paragraph_id":"para_859","court_paragraph":30},{"text":"contacted her and asked her to execute HIPPA authorizations in favor of its","paragraph_id":"para_860"},{"text":"counsel “as the authorized designee of Valluzzo.” Ms. Reissland states in her brief","paragraph_id":"para_861"},{"text":"that she objected to Valluzzo’s counsel having access to her medical records before","paragraph_id":"para_862"},{"text":"the case was even in litigation, so she “revoked all prior authorizations,” after","paragraph_id":"para_863"},{"text":"which Valluzzo terminated her workers’ compensation indemnity benefits.","paragraph_id":"para_864"},{"text":"(Emphasis added.) Ms. Reissland argues that, “[s]imply put, there is no legal basis","paragraph_id":"para_865"},{"text":"for suspending benefits when a claimant refuses to allow an employer’s attorney","paragraph_id":"para_866"},{"text":"access to her medical records.”","paragraph_id":"para_867"},{"text":"Regarding the “Release of medical records and information,” La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_868"},{"text":"23:1127(B) provides:","paragraph_id":"para_869"},{"text":"A. It is the policy for the efficient administration of the","paragraph_id":"para_870"},{"text":"workers’ compensation system that there be reasonable access to","paragraph_id":"para_871"},{"text":"medical information for all parties to coordinate and manage the care","paragraph_id":"para_872"},{"text":"for the injured worker and to facilitate his return to work.","paragraph_id":"para_873"},{"text":"B. (1) In any claim for compensation, a health care provider","paragraph_id":"para_874"},{"text":"who has at any time treated the employee related to the compensation","paragraph_id":"para_875"},{"text":"claim shall release any requested medical information and records","paragraph_id":"para_876"},{"text":"relative to the employee’s injury, to any of the following persons:","paragraph_id":"para_877"},{"text":"(a) The employee, his agent, or his representative.","paragraph_id":"para_878"},{"text":"(b) A licensed and approved vocational rehabilitation counselor","paragraph_id":"para_879"},{"text":"assigned to the employee’s claim.","paragraph_id":"para_880"},{"text":"(c) Another health care provider examining the employee.","paragraph_id":"para_881"},{"text":"(d) The employer, his agent, or his representative.","paragraph_id":"para_882"},{"text":"(e) The employer’s workers’ compensation insurer or its agent","paragraph_id":"para_883"},{"text":"or representative.","paragraph_id":"para_884"},{"text":"(2) Any information relative to any other treatment or condition","paragraph_id":"para_885"},{"text":"shall be available to the employer or his workers’ compensation","paragraph_id":"para_886"},{"text":"insurer by subpoena or through a written release by the claimant.","paragraph_id":"para_887"},{"text":"31","paragraph_id":"para_888"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland contends Valluzzo violated La. R.S. 23:1201(I) by terminating her","paragraph_id":"para_889","court_paragraph":31},{"text":"benefits after she refused to sign a written release. That statute provides:","paragraph_id":"para_890"},{"text":"Any employer or insurer who at any time discontinues payment of","paragraph_id":"para_891"},{"text":"claims due and arising under this Chapter, when such discontinuance","paragraph_id":"para_892"},{"text":"is found to be arbitrary, capricious, or without probable cause, shall be","paragraph_id":"para_893"},{"text":"subject to the payment of a penalty not to exceed eight thousand","paragraph_id":"para_894"},{"text":"dollars and a reasonable attorney fee for the prosecution and","paragraph_id":"para_895"},{"text":"collection of such claims.","paragraph_id":"para_896"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201(I).","paragraph_id":"para_897"},{"text":"As explained by the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal in discussing","paragraph_id":"para_898"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201(I), “Arbitrary and capricious behavior consists of willful and","paragraph_id":"para_899"},{"text":"unreasoning action, without consideration and regard for facts and circumstance[s]","paragraph_id":"para_900"},{"text":"presented, or of seemingly unfounded motivation. The crucial inquiry is whether","paragraph_id":"para_901"},{"text":"the employer has [an] articulable and objective reason for discontinuing benefits at","paragraph_id":"para_902"},{"text":"the time it took that action.” Life Flight of New Orleans v. Homrighausen, 2005-","paragraph_id":"para_903"},{"text":"2538, p. 8 (La. App. 1 Cir. 12/28/06), 952 So.2d 45, 52 (citing Authement v. Wal-","paragraph_id":"para_904"},{"text":"Mart, 2002-2434, p. 11 (La. App. 1 Cir. 9/26/03), 857 So.2d 564, 574). The","paragraph_id":"para_905"},{"text":"“[s]tatutory provisions permitting the assessment of penalties and attorney fees for","paragraph_id":"para_906"},{"text":"nonpayment of workers’ compensation benefits are penal in nature,” so they “must","paragraph_id":"para_907"},{"text":"be strictly construed.” New Line Environmental & Canal HR v. Davis, 2015-1885,","paragraph_id":"para_908"},{"text":"p. 10 (La. App. 1 Cir. 10/7/16), 205 So.3d 921, 928. With these precepts in mind,","paragraph_id":"para_909"},{"text":"we consider whether Valluzzo’s termination of Ms. Reissland’s benefits was","paragraph_id":"para_910"},{"text":"arbitrary, capricious, or without probable cause.","paragraph_id":"para_911"},{"text":"Though Ms. Reissland argues Valluzzo had “no legal basis for suspending","paragraph_id":"para_912"},{"text":"[her] benefits,” such that it acted arbitrarily, capricious, and without probable","paragraph_id":"para_913"},{"text":"cause, under the circumstances of this case, we disagree. When Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_914"},{"text":"refused to sign a HIPPA in favor of Valluzzo’s counsel, she also notably revoked","paragraph_id":"para_915"},{"text":"32","paragraph_id":"para_916"},{"text":"all prior authorizations as admitted in her brief to this Court. As quoted above,","paragraph_id":"para_917","court_paragraph":32},{"text":"within the workers’ compensation scheme, La. R.S. 23:1127 seeks to establish","paragraph_id":"para_918"},{"text":"“reasonable access to medical information for all parties.” La. R.S. 23:1127(A)","paragraph_id":"para_919"},{"text":"(emphasis added). Among those to whom “a health care provider who has at any","paragraph_id":"para_920"},{"text":"time treated the employee related to the compensation claim shall release any","paragraph_id":"para_921"},{"text":"requested medical information and records relative to the employee’s injury” are","paragraph_id":"para_922"},{"text":"“[t]he employer, his agent, or his representative,” as well as “[t]he employer’s","paragraph_id":"para_923"},{"text":"workers’ compensation insurer or its agent or representative.” La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_924"},{"text":"23:1127(B)(1)(d-e). When Ms. Reissland revoked her prior authorizations, this","paragraph_id":"para_925"},{"text":"included authorizations that permitted Valluzzo’s claims adjuster to access her","paragraph_id":"para_926"},{"text":"medical records. Ms. Reissland thereby denied Valluzzo’s “workers’ compensation","paragraph_id":"para_927"},{"text":"insurer or its agent or representative” access to any of her records, including those","paragraph_id":"para_928"},{"text":"related to her compensation claim and alleged injury, in contravention of La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_929"},{"text":"23:1127(B)(1)(e). As a result of Ms. Reissland revoking all prior authorizations,","paragraph_id":"para_930"},{"text":"Valluzzo itself also no longer had access to Ms. Reissland’s medical records","paragraph_id":"para_931"},{"text":"despite the employer being among those to whom a health care provider is to","paragraph_id":"para_932"},{"text":"“release any requested medical information and records relative to the employee’s","paragraph_id":"para_933"},{"text":"injury.” La. R.S. 23:1127(B)(1)(d). Upon Ms. Reissland revoking all prior","paragraph_id":"para_934"},{"text":"authorizations, Valluzzo and its claims adjuster could no longer “coordinate and","paragraph_id":"para_935"},{"text":"manage” her claim, let alone investigate it, thereby providing Vallluzo with an","paragraph_id":"para_936"},{"text":"“articulable and objective reason for discontinuing benefits.” Based on the facts of","paragraph_id":"para_937"},{"text":"this case, we find Valluzzo’s decision to terminate Ms. Reissland’s benefits—in","paragraph_id":"para_938"},{"text":"the face of a lack of access to her medical records regarding treatment related to","paragraph_id":"para_939"},{"text":"the alleged accident and injury forming the basis of her claim—did not rise to the","paragraph_id":"para_940"},{"text":"33","paragraph_id":"para_941"},{"text":"level of arbitrary, capricious, or without probable cause. Accordingly, we disagree","paragraph_id":"para_942","court_paragraph":33},{"text":"with Ms. Reissland that she is entitled to attorney’s fees under La. R.S. 23:1201(I).","paragraph_id":"para_943"},{"text":"In the alternative, Ms. Reissland “contends she is entitled to a $2,000.00","paragraph_id":"para_944"},{"text":"penalty pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201(F) for [Valluzzo’s] failure to reasonably","paragraph_id":"para_945"},{"text":"controvert her benefits on those grounds.” Apart from that one statement in her","paragraph_id":"para_946"},{"text":"brief, Ms. Reissland provides no argument in support of that claim. Regarding the","paragraph_id":"para_947"},{"text":"appellant brief, Rule 2-12.4(B)(4) of the Uniform Rules of the Courts of Appeal","paragraph_id":"para_948"},{"text":"instructs that “[a]ll assignments of error and issues for review shall be briefed. The","paragraph_id":"para_949"},{"text":"court may deem as abandoned any assignment of error or issue for review which","paragraph_id":"para_950"},{"text":"has not been briefed.” (Emphasis added.) As recently explained by the Louisiana","paragraph_id":"para_951"},{"text":"Second Circuit Court of Appeal, “A mere statement of an assignment of error in a","paragraph_id":"para_952"},{"text":"brief does not constitute the briefing of the assignment of error.” Young v. Woods,","paragraph_id":"para_953"},{"text":"56,328, p. 12 (La. App. 2 Cir. 7/16/25), 418 So.3d 475, 482 (citing State v. Davis,","paragraph_id":"para_954"},{"text":"52,517 (La. App. 2 Cir. 5/22/19), 273 So. 3d 670). We therefore exercise our","paragraph_id":"para_955"},{"text":"discretion under Uniform Rule 2-12.4 and consider Ms. Reissland’s argument of","paragraph_id":"para_956"},{"text":"entitlement to a penalty under La. R.S. 23:1201(F) abandoned because she did not","paragraph_id":"para_957"},{"text":"brief this issue.","paragraph_id":"para_958"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s Fourth Argument","paragraph_id":"para_959"},{"text":"Next, Ms. Reissland asserts that because Valluzzo improperly classified her","paragraph_id":"para_960"},{"text":"as a part-time worker in calculating her benefits, she is entitled to a $2,000 penalty","paragraph_id":"para_961"},{"text":"under La. R.S. 23:1201(F). That statute provides, in pertinent part:","paragraph_id":"para_962"},{"text":"F. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, failure to","paragraph_id":"para_963"},{"text":"provide payment in accordance with this Section . . . shall result in the","paragraph_id":"para_964"},{"text":"assessment of a penalty in an amount up to the greater of twelve","paragraph_id":"para_965"},{"text":"percent of any unpaid compensation or medical benefits, or fifty","paragraph_id":"para_966"},{"text":"dollars per calendar day for each day in which any and all","paragraph_id":"para_967"},{"text":"compensation or medical benefits remain unpaid or such consent is","paragraph_id":"para_968"},{"text":"withheld, together with reasonable attorney fees for each disputed","paragraph_id":"para_969"},{"text":"34","paragraph_id":"para_970"},{"text":"claim; however, the fifty dollars per calendar day penalty shall not","paragraph_id":"para_971","court_paragraph":34},{"text":"exceed a maximum of two thousand dollars in the aggregate for any","paragraph_id":"para_972"},{"text":"claim. The maximum amount of penalties which may be imposed at a","paragraph_id":"para_973"},{"text":"hearing on the merits regardless of the number of penalties which","paragraph_id":"para_974"},{"text":"might be imposed under this Section is eight thousand dollars. An","paragraph_id":"para_975"},{"text":"award of penalties and attorney fees at any hearing on the merits shall","paragraph_id":"para_976"},{"text":"be res judicata as to any and all claims for which penalties may be","paragraph_id":"para_977"},{"text":"imposed under this Section which precedes the date of the hearing.","paragraph_id":"para_978"},{"text":"Penalties shall be assessed in the following manner:","paragraph_id":"para_979"},{"text":". . . .","paragraph_id":"para_980"},{"text":"(2) This Subsection shall not apply if the claim is reasonably","paragraph_id":"para_981"},{"text":"controverted or if such nonpayment results from conditions over","paragraph_id":"para_982"},{"text":"which the employer or insurer had no control.","paragraph_id":"para_983"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201(F)(2).","paragraph_id":"para_984"},{"text":"To reasonably controvert a claim as that phrase is used in La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_985"},{"text":"23:1201(F)(2), “the defendant[-employer] must have some valid reason or","paragraph_id":"para_986"},{"text":"evidence upon which” it based its decision. Brown v. Texas-LA Cartage, Inc.,","paragraph_id":"para_987"},{"text":"1998-1063, p. 9 (La. 12/1/98), 721 So.2d 885, 890. In determining whether the","paragraph_id":"para_988"},{"text":"employer has such a reason or such evidence, the “court must ascertain whether the","paragraph_id":"para_989"},{"text":"employer or his insurer engaged in a nonfrivolous legal dispute or possessed","paragraph_id":"para_990"},{"text":"factual . . . information to reasonably counter the factual . . . information presented","paragraph_id":"para_991"},{"text":"by the claimant[-employee].” Id. In general, Louisiana courts do not impose","paragraph_id":"para_992"},{"text":"“penalties . . . for simple miscalculations,” but the courts do impose “penalties and","paragraph_id":"para_993"},{"text":"attorney’s fees . . . where the insurer gather[ed] incomplete data in preparing the","paragraph_id":"para_994"},{"text":"claim.” Richard v. HSLI & Touro Infirmary, 2012-873, p. 10 (La. App. 5 Cir.","paragraph_id":"para_995"},{"text":"5/23/13), 119 So.3d 617, 623 (citing Stegall v. J. & J Exterminating, 1994-1279","paragraph_id":"para_996"},{"text":"(La. App. 3 Cir. 3/1/95), 651 So.2d 400). As recently explained by the Louisiana","paragraph_id":"para_997"},{"text":"First Circuit Court of Appeal, “[t]he fact that [a defendant-employer] may have","paragraph_id":"para_998"},{"text":"mistakenly miscalculated the amount due or . . . later paid the amount due after it","paragraph_id":"para_999"},{"text":"was requested by [the plaintiff-employee’s] counsel does not exempt [the","paragraph_id":"para_1000"},{"text":"35","paragraph_id":"para_1001"},{"text":"defendant-employer] from penalties and/or attorney fees.” Bonvillian v. Great Am.","paragraph_id":"para_1002","court_paragraph":35},{"text":"Alliance Ins. Co., 2024-1025, p. 9 (La. App. 1 Cir. 5/22/25), 417 So.3d 731, 738.","paragraph_id":"para_1003"},{"text":"For the reasons discussed in the section of this Opinion reversing the WCJ’s","paragraph_id":"para_1004"},{"text":"finding that Ms. Reissland was a part-time employee, we also find that Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_1005"},{"text":"failed to reasonably controvert Ms. Reissland’s claim that Valluzzo should have","paragraph_id":"para_1006"},{"text":"calculated her benefits based on her being a full-time employee. Valluzzo also did","paragraph_id":"para_1007"},{"text":"not present evidence regarding any extenuating circumstances over which it had no","paragraph_id":"para_1008"},{"text":"control so as to excuse its decision to calculate Ms. Reissland’s benefits based on","paragraph_id":"para_1009"},{"text":"her being a part-time employee as opposed to a full-time one. Instead, based on the","paragraph_id":"para_1010"},{"text":"record, Valluzzo merely gathered incomplete information in determining Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_1011"},{"text":"Reissland’s benefits by failing to ascertain whether Ms. Reissland had knowingly","paragraph_id":"para_1012"},{"text":"accepted employment that customarily provided for less than forty hours per week.","paragraph_id":"para_1013"},{"text":"Therefore, we remand this matter for the WCJ to determine and assess “a penalty","paragraph_id":"para_1014"},{"text":"in an amount up to the greater of twelve percent of any unpaid compensation or","paragraph_id":"para_1015"},{"text":"medical benefits, or fifty dollars per calendar day for each day in which any and all","paragraph_id":"para_1016"},{"text":"compensation or medical benefits remain unpaid . . ., together with reasonable","paragraph_id":"para_1017"},{"text":"attorney fees,” noting that “the fifty dollars per calendar day penalty shall not","paragraph_id":"para_1018"},{"text":"exceed a maximum of two thousand dollars in the aggregate.” La. R.S. 23:1201(F).","paragraph_id":"para_1019"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland’s Fifth Argument","paragraph_id":"para_1020"},{"text":"Ms. Reissland further argues her attorney is entitled to attorney’s fees under","paragraph_id":"para_1021"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201(I) and/or (F). Other than listing La. R.S. 23:1201(I) in the","paragraph_id":"para_1022"},{"text":"heading of this subsection of her brief, Ms. Reissland does not further brief its","paragraph_id":"para_1023"},{"text":"applicability. Elsewhere in this section of her brief regarding penalties and","paragraph_id":"para_1024"},{"text":"attorney’s fees, Ms. Reissland contended she was entitled to attorney’s fees under","paragraph_id":"para_1025"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1201(I) because Valluzzo was arbitrary, capricious, and without","paragraph_id":"para_1026"},{"text":"36","paragraph_id":"para_1027"},{"text":"probable cause in terminating her benefits after she refused to sign a HIPPA in","paragraph_id":"para_1028","court_paragraph":36},{"text":"favor of Valluzzo’s counsel and revoked her prior authorizations. We have already","paragraph_id":"para_1029"},{"text":"discussed why Valluzo’s decision to terminate Ms. Reissland’s benefits was not","paragraph_id":"para_1030"},{"text":"arbitrary, capricious, and without probable cause in light of Ms. Reissland","paragraph_id":"para_1031"},{"text":"preventing Valluzo from having access to her medical records so as to investigate,","paragraph_id":"para_1032"},{"text":"coordinate, and manage her claim contrary to La. R.S. 23:1107. Because Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_1033"},{"text":"Reissland’s brief provides no other information or argument as to the applicability","paragraph_id":"para_1034"},{"text":"of La. R.S. 23:1201(I) or how this section of her brief differs from the prior one,","paragraph_id":"para_1035"},{"text":"we decline to consider the matter further. See Rule 2-12.4, Uniform Rules, Courts","paragraph_id":"para_1036"},{"text":"of Appeal.","paragraph_id":"para_1037"},{"text":"Likewise, Ms. Reissland provides no additional information regarding how","paragraph_id":"para_1038"},{"text":"her contention that her counsel is entitled to attorney’s fees under La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_1039"},{"text":"23:1201(F) in this subsection of her brief differs from her contentions elsewhere in","paragraph_id":"para_1040"},{"text":"her brief. In the prior subsection, we already concluded that Ms. Reissland is","paragraph_id":"para_1041"},{"text":"entitled to attorney’s fees because Valluzzo improperly designated her a part-time","paragraph_id":"para_1042"},{"text":"employee in computing her benefits. In light of Ms. Reissland’s failure to brief her","paragraph_id":"para_1043"},{"text":"alleged entitlement to additional attorney’s fees under La. R.S. 23:1201(F), we","paragraph_id":"para_1044"},{"text":"exercise our discretion under Uniform Rule 2-12.4 and do not further consider this","paragraph_id":"para_1045"},{"text":"matter.","paragraph_id":"para_1046"},{"text":"Assignment of Error Number Five: Cost Reimbursement Pursuant to La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_1047"},{"text":"23:1310.9 and Judicial Interest Pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201.3(A)","paragraph_id":"para_1048"},{"text":"Finally, Ms. Reissland asserts the WCJ “committed legal error in failing to","paragraph_id":"para_1049"},{"text":"award [her] cost reimbursement pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1310.9 and [in] failing to","paragraph_id":"para_1050"},{"text":"award judicial interest on all penalties, costs, and attorney’s fees awarded.” Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_1051"},{"text":"Reissland contends that because she “incurred costs in obtaining medical records,","paragraph_id":"para_1052"},{"text":"37","paragraph_id":"para_1053"},{"text":"depositions, filing fees, and preparation of the trial record herein,” she seeks","paragraph_id":"para_1054","court_paragraph":37},{"text":"reimbursement of said “costs in accordance with La. R.S. 23:1310.9 to be","paragraph_id":"para_1055"},{"text":"determined by a [r]ule to [t]ax [c]osts.” Additionally, Ms. Reissland seeks judicial","paragraph_id":"para_1056"},{"text":"interest on past due indemnity benefits, medical benefits, penalties, attorney’s fees","paragraph_id":"para_1057"},{"text":"and costs pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201.3(A).","paragraph_id":"para_1058"},{"text":"We begin with Ms. Reissland’s request for costs under La. R.S. 23:1310.9.","paragraph_id":"para_1059"},{"text":"That statute provides:","paragraph_id":"para_1060"},{"text":"If the workers’ compensation judge before which any proceedings for","paragraph_id":"para_1061"},{"text":"compensation or concerning an award of compensation have been","paragraph_id":"para_1062"},{"text":"brought, under the Workers’ Compensation Act, determines that such","paragraph_id":"para_1063"},{"text":"proceedings have not been brought on a reasonable ground, or that","paragraph_id":"para_1064"},{"text":"denial of benefits has not been based on a reasonable ground, the","paragraph_id":"para_1065"},{"text":"workers’ compensation judge shall assess the total cost of the","paragraph_id":"para_1066"},{"text":"proceedings to the party who has brought them or the party who has","paragraph_id":"para_1067"},{"text":"unreasonably denied payment of benefits.","paragraph_id":"para_1068"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1310.0. A workers’ compensation judge has broad discretion in his","paragraph_id":"para_1069"},{"text":"assessment of costs and fees under La. R.S. 23:1310.9. Guillory v. St. Michael","paragraph_id":"para_1070"},{"text":"PFU, LLC, 2023-674, p. 8 (La. App. 3 Cir. 4/17/24), 389 So.3d 140, 146-147","paragraph_id":"para_1071"},{"text":"(citations omitted). On appeal, the appellate court considers whether the workers’","paragraph_id":"para_1072"},{"text":"compensation judge abused that discretion. Id. In Guillory, the Third Circuit","paragraph_id":"para_1073"},{"text":"explained that while La. R.S. 23:1310.9 “mandates the assessing of costs in","paragraph_id":"para_1074"},{"text":"situations when the proceedings have not been brought on a reasonable ground or","paragraph_id":"para_1075"},{"text":"when the denial of benefits has not been based on a reasonable ground,” the","paragraph_id":"para_1076"},{"text":"applicability of that statute is contingent on the trial court actually making one of","paragraph_id":"para_1077"},{"text":"the foregoing determinations. Id. at p. 8, 389 So.3d at 146. That is, if “[t]he trial","paragraph_id":"para_1078"},{"text":"court did not make such a determination,” then “that statute is inapplicable.” Id. In","paragraph_id":"para_1079"},{"text":"the matter sub judice, the WCJ made no such determination as to the","paragraph_id":"para_1080"},{"text":"unreasonableness of Valluzzo’s denial of benefits, so this statute is inapplicable.","paragraph_id":"para_1081"},{"text":"38","paragraph_id":"para_1082"},{"text":"Thus, we disagree with Ms. Reissland that she is entitled to cost reimbursement","paragraph_id":"para_1083","court_paragraph":38},{"text":"under La. R.S. 23:1310.9 and deny her request for same.","paragraph_id":"para_1084"},{"text":"We next turn to Ms. Reissland’s request for judicial interest under La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_1085"},{"text":"23:1201.3(A) “on all penalties, costs, and attorney’s fees awarded.” Previously, we","paragraph_id":"para_1086"},{"text":"concluded Ms. Reissland is not entitled to costs under La. R.S. 23:1210.9, and","paragraph_id":"para_1087"},{"text":"elsewhere throughout this Opinion we have not awarded costs to Ms. Reissland.","paragraph_id":"para_1088"},{"text":"Accordingly, there are no costs for which we must consider whether to attach","paragraph_id":"para_1089"},{"text":"judicial interest.","paragraph_id":"para_1090"},{"text":"In support of her contention that a court can award judicial interest on","paragraph_id":"para_1091"},{"text":"penalties and attorney’s fees when specifically prayed for, Ms. Reissland cites to","paragraph_id":"para_1092"},{"text":"Smith v. Quarles Drilling Co., 2004-0179 (La. 10/29/04), 885 So.2d 562. As","paragraph_id":"para_1093"},{"text":"explained by the Louisiana Supreme Court in Smith, “Interest on an attorney fee","paragraph_id":"para_1094"},{"text":"award is not ‘allowed by law’ pursuant to [La.] R.S. 23:1201.3.” 2004-0179, p. 9,","paragraph_id":"para_1095"},{"text":"885 So.2d at 568 (citing La. C.C.P. art. 1921). This is because “penalties and","paragraph_id":"para_1096"},{"text":"attorney[’s] fees in workers’ compensation cases are not considered","paragraph_id":"para_1097"},{"text":"compensation.” Day v. Superior Derrick Servs., 2011-749, p. 14 (La. App. 3 Cir.","paragraph_id":"para_1098"},{"text":"12/7/11), 80 So.3d 654, 665 (citing Burns v. Interstate Brands Corp., 2009-705","paragraph_id":"para_1099"},{"text":"(La. App. 3 Cir. 2/3/10) 30 So.3d 271). Therefore, as Ms. Reissland correctly","paragraph_id":"para_1100"},{"text":"observes, “in order to receive interest on penalties and attorney fees, a party must","paragraph_id":"para_1101"},{"text":"pray for interest in his pleadings.” Id. Ms. Reissland did so, such that she is entitled","paragraph_id":"para_1102"},{"text":"to judicial interest on the penalty and attorney’s fees we awarded under La. R.S.","paragraph_id":"para_1103"},{"text":"23:1201(F) in light of Valluzzo’s failure to reasonably controvert her claim that","paragraph_id":"para_1104"},{"text":"she was entitled to full-time status for purposes of computing her benefits.","paragraph_id":"para_1105"},{"text":"Within the workers’ compensation scheme, an award of compensation is","paragraph_id":"para_1106"},{"text":"distinct from an award of penalties and attorney’s fees. Sharbono v. Steve Lang &","paragraph_id":"para_1107"},{"text":"39","paragraph_id":"para_1108"},{"text":"Son Loggers, 1997-0110, p. 6 (La. 7/1/97), 696 So.2d 1382, 1386. That is, “fees","paragraph_id":"para_1109","court_paragraph":39},{"text":"and penalties are not ‘compensation’ within the meaning of the statute.” Id. As","paragraph_id":"para_1110"},{"text":"such, the Louisiana Supreme Court has held that the date on which interest attaches","paragraph_id":"para_1111"},{"text":"on these respective awards also differs. See generally id. While interest attaches to","paragraph_id":"para_1112"},{"text":"compensation on the date of demand, interest attaches to penalties and attorney’s","paragraph_id":"para_1113"},{"text":"fees on the date of judgment. Id. at pp. 10-11 (La. 7/1/97), 696 So.2d 1382, 1388-","paragraph_id":"para_1114"},{"text":"89. As explained in Sharbono:","paragraph_id":"para_1115"},{"text":"Because attorney’s fee awards depend for their very existence","paragraph_id":"para_1116"},{"text":"upon a discretionary finding . . ., any amount of attorney’s fees","paragraph_id":"para_1117"},{"text":"awarded to the victor is “due” only from the date of judgment. Prior to","paragraph_id":"para_1118"},{"text":"that time, the victor was not entitled to those funds. Because the losing","paragraph_id":"para_1119"},{"text":"party did not deprive the victor of the use of funds to which the victor","paragraph_id":"para_1120"},{"text":"was entitled, no prejudgment interest may be calculated on the award","paragraph_id":"para_1121"},{"text":"of attorney’s fees. Rather, post[-]judgment interest on that amount","paragraph_id":"para_1122"},{"text":"may be calculated only from the date the debt came into being and","paragraph_id":"para_1123"},{"text":"thus became due to the date it is paid. To hold otherwise would be to","paragraph_id":"para_1124"},{"text":"unfairly compensate the victor, and penalize the loser, for a","paragraph_id":"para_1125"},{"text":"deprivation which never took place. . . .","paragraph_id":"para_1126"},{"text":"Finally, there is the matter of interest on penalties. Both federal","paragraph_id":"para_1127"},{"text":"and state jurisprudence is nearly uniform in holding that penalty","paragraph_id":"para_1128"},{"text":"interest is entirely of the post-judgment variety, and thus is calculated","paragraph_id":"para_1129"},{"text":"only from the date the penalties are awarded until the date they are","paragraph_id":"para_1130"},{"text":"paid. . . .","paragraph_id":"para_1131"},{"text":"Just as with attorney’s fees awards, penalties are never","paragraph_id":"para_1132"},{"text":"automatically assessed against the defeated party, but rather are","paragraph_id":"para_1133"},{"text":"awarded only when the statutory requirements for such are met. . . .","paragraph_id":"para_1134"},{"text":"Because awards of penalties and attorney’s fees are not automatic . . .,","paragraph_id":"para_1135"},{"text":"they come due, if at all, only on the date of their award . . .; thus, such","paragraph_id":"para_1136"},{"text":"awards may not earn interest until after that date.","paragraph_id":"para_1137"},{"text":"Id. (footnotes omitted). In light of the foregoing jurisprudence, Ms. Reissland is","paragraph_id":"para_1138"},{"text":"entitled to judicial interest on the penalty and attorney’s fees that the WCJ will","paragraph_id":"para_1139"},{"text":"assess under La. R.S. 23:1201(F)—for Valluzzo’s failure to reasonably controvert","paragraph_id":"para_1140"},{"text":"her claim that she was entitled to full-time status for purposes of computing her","paragraph_id":"para_1141"},{"text":"benefits—upon the WCJ determining same.","paragraph_id":"para_1142"},{"text":"40","paragraph_id":"para_1143"},{"text":"Attorney’s Fees and Costs for Appeal","paragraph_id":"para_1144","court_paragraph":40},{"text":"Ms. Reissland also contends she “is entitled to additional attorney’s fee[s]","paragraph_id":"para_1145"},{"text":"for additional work performed in pursuing this appeal and for the costs of the","paragraph_id":"para_1146"},{"text":"appeal to be assessed against” Valluzzo. Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article","paragraph_id":"para_1147"},{"text":"2164 provides, in pertinent part:","paragraph_id":"para_1148"},{"text":"The appellate court shall render any judgment which is just, legal, and","paragraph_id":"para_1149"},{"text":"proper upon the record on appeal. The court may award damages,","paragraph_id":"para_1150"},{"text":"including attorney fees, for frivolous appeal or application for writs,","paragraph_id":"para_1151"},{"text":"and may tax the costs of the lower or appellate court, or any part","paragraph_id":"para_1152"},{"text":"thereof, against any party to the suit, as in its judgment may be","paragraph_id":"para_1153"},{"text":"considered equitable.","paragraph_id":"para_1154"},{"text":"An appellate court has “discretion to award . . . attorney’s fees for appellate work.”","paragraph_id":"para_1155"},{"text":"Chandler v. Oachita Par. Sheriff’s Office, 48,179, pp. 15-16 (La. App. 2 Cir.","paragraph_id":"para_1156"},{"text":"8/7/13), 121 So.3d 1216, 1226 (citing Nesbitt v. Nesbitt, 46,514 (La. App. 2 Cir.","paragraph_id":"para_1157"},{"text":"9/21/11), 79 So.3d 347). In deciding whether to exercise aforesaid discretion we","paragraph_id":"para_1158"},{"text":"are mindful that “[a]wards of attorney[’s] fees in workers’ compensation cases are","paragraph_id":"para_1159"},{"text":"essentially penal in nature, and are intended to deter indifference and undesirable","paragraph_id":"para_1160"},{"text":"conduct by employers and insurers toward injured employees.” Smith, 2004-0179,","paragraph_id":"para_1161"},{"text":"p. 6, 885 So.2d at 566 (citations omitted). Nonetheless, while “the benefits in the","paragraph_id":"para_1162"},{"text":"Workers’ Compensation Act are to be liberally construed, penal statutes are to be","paragraph_id":"para_1163"},{"text":"strictly construed.” Id. at p. 7, 885 So.2d at 566 (citations omitted). Even if a","paragraph_id":"para_1164"},{"text":"plaintiff-employee largely prevails on appeal, the discretion accorded to the","paragraph_id":"para_1165"},{"text":"appellate court permits the court to decline to award attorney’s fees. See King v.","paragraph_id":"para_1166"},{"text":"Gulf Coast Constr., Inc., 1994-1019, p. 3 (La. App. 4 Cir. 12/28/94), 648 So.2d","paragraph_id":"para_1167"},{"text":"498, 500. Considering the facts of this case and a lack of “indifference and","paragraph_id":"para_1168"},{"text":"undesirable conduct” by Valluzzo toward Ms. Reissland, we decline to exercise","paragraph_id":"para_1169"},{"text":"our discretion to award attorney’s fees for work on appeal to Ms. Reissland.","paragraph_id":"para_1170"},{"text":"41","paragraph_id":"para_1171"},{"text":"Turning to Ms. Reissland’s request for costs, “A court can tax costs against","paragraph_id":"para_1172","court_paragraph":41},{"text":"any party in any manner it considers equitable.” Latour v. Steamboats, LLC, 2023-","paragraph_id":"para_1173"},{"text":"00027, p. 17 (La. 10/20/23), 371 So.3d 1026, 1041 n.10 (first citing La. C.C.P. art.","paragraph_id":"para_1174"},{"text":"1920; and then citing La. C.C.P. art. 2164). This is true of both the trial and","paragraph_id":"para_1175"},{"text":"appellate courts. Danna v. Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., 2020-0116, pp. 37-38 (La. App.","paragraph_id":"para_1176"},{"text":"4 Cir. 3/24/21), 365 So.3d 679, 705 (first citing La. C.C.P. art. 1920; then citing","paragraph_id":"para_1177"},{"text":"La. C.C.P. art. 2164; and then citing Scamardo v. Dunaway, 1994-545, p. 11 (La.","paragraph_id":"para_1178"},{"text":"App. 5 Cir. 2/15/95), 650 So.2d 417, 422). However, considering the facts of this","paragraph_id":"para_1179"},{"text":"case, we decline to assess Valluzzo with the costs of this appeal.","paragraph_id":"para_1180"},{"text":"Valluzzo’s Assignments of Error","paragraph_id":"para_1181"},{"text":"As delineated previously, Valluzzo also asserted assignments of error in its","paragraph_id":"para_1182"},{"text":"brief to this Court. In its first assignment of error, Valluzzo contends the WCJ","paragraph_id":"para_1183"},{"text":"erred in failing to award all attorney’s fees it incurred as part of the January 13,","paragraph_id":"para_1184"},{"text":"2025 restitution judgment pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208. Our reversal of the WCJ’s","paragraph_id":"para_1185"},{"text":"finding that Ms. Reissland violated La. R.S. 23:1208 and vacatur of the January 13,","paragraph_id":"para_1186"},{"text":"2025 judgment renders this assignment of error moot.","paragraph_id":"para_1187"},{"text":"In its second assignment of error, Valluzzo asserts the WCJ manifestly erred","paragraph_id":"para_1188"},{"text":"in failing to award attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1310.9 plus","paragraph_id":"para_1189"},{"text":"judicial interest on the restitution award pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201.3. Beginning","paragraph_id":"para_1190"},{"text":"with the latter, we have vacated the WCJ’s January 13, 2025 restitution judgment,","paragraph_id":"para_1191"},{"text":"thereby rendering this assignment of error moot. Regarding attorney’s fees and","paragraph_id":"para_1192"},{"text":"costs under La. R.S. 23:1310.9, Valluzzo contends that “[a]ppellate courts have","paragraph_id":"para_1193"},{"text":"recognized that costs may be awarded under La. R.S. 23:1310.9 when fraud is","paragraph_id":"para_1194"},{"text":"found under La. R.S. 23:1208.” However, we have reversed the WCJ’s finding of a","paragraph_id":"para_1195"},{"text":"42","paragraph_id":"para_1196"},{"text":"violation of La. R.S. 23:1208, such that Valluzzo’s contention it is entitled to fees","paragraph_id":"para_1197","court_paragraph":42},{"text":"and costs for same is now moot.","paragraph_id":"para_1198"},{"text":"Finally, in its third assignment of error, Valluzzo argues this Court should","paragraph_id":"para_1199"},{"text":"modify and revise the WCJ’s January 13, 2025 restitution judgment to award","paragraph_id":"para_1200"},{"text":"Valluzzo “all additional damages and costs, including penalties and attorney’s fees","paragraph_id":"para_1201"},{"text":"upon the running of all deadlines, pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201(G).” Louisiana","paragraph_id":"para_1202"},{"text":"Revised Statutes 23:1201(G) provides:","paragraph_id":"para_1203"},{"text":"If any award payable under the terms of a final, nonappealable","paragraph_id":"para_1204"},{"text":"judgment is not paid within thirty days after it becomes due, there","paragraph_id":"para_1205"},{"text":"shall be added to such award an amount equal to twenty-four percent","paragraph_id":"para_1206"},{"text":"thereof or one hundred dollars per day together with reasonable","paragraph_id":"para_1207"},{"text":"attorney fees, for each calendar day after thirty days it remains unpaid,","paragraph_id":"para_1208"},{"text":"whichever is greater, which shall be paid at the same time as, and in","paragraph_id":"para_1209"},{"text":"addition to, such award, unless such nonpayment results from","paragraph_id":"para_1210"},{"text":"conditions over which the employer had no control. No amount paid","paragraph_id":"para_1211"},{"text":"as a penalty under this Subsection shall be included in any formula","paragraph_id":"para_1212"},{"text":"utilized to establish premium rates for workers' compensation","paragraph_id":"para_1213"},{"text":"insurance. The total one hundred dollar per calendar day penalty","paragraph_id":"para_1214"},{"text":"provided for in this Subsection shall not exceed three thousand dollars","paragraph_id":"para_1215"},{"text":"in the aggregate.","paragraph_id":"para_1216"},{"text":"Again, Valluzzo is seeking additional amounts stemming from the now-vacated","paragraph_id":"para_1217"},{"text":"January 13, 2025 restitution judgment. Because we have vacated that judgment,","paragraph_id":"para_1218"},{"text":"Valluzzo’s third assignment of error is now moot too. In sum, all three of","paragraph_id":"para_1219"},{"text":"Valluzzo’s assignments of error in its appellee brief have been rendered moot by","paragraph_id":"para_1220"},{"text":"our prior holdings. Next, we consider Valluzzo’s Answer.","paragraph_id":"para_1221"},{"text":"Valluzzo’s Answer","paragraph_id":"para_1222"},{"text":"As previously stated, Valluzzo filed an Answer with this Court wherein it","paragraph_id":"para_1223"},{"text":"seeks modification of certain aspects of the WCJ’s December 5, 2024 judgment","paragraph_id":"para_1224"},{"text":"and the WCJ’s January 13, 2025 judgment, as well as frivolous appeal damages. In","paragraph_id":"para_1225"},{"text":"its Answer, Valluzzo has six requests. Because the first, third, and fourth requests","paragraph_id":"para_1226"},{"text":"43","paragraph_id":"para_1227"},{"text":"are related, we will discuss those together before moving onto the second, fifth,","paragraph_id":"para_1228","court_paragraph":43},{"text":"and sixth requests.","paragraph_id":"para_1229"},{"text":"Requests Numbers 1, 3, and 4","paragraph_id":"para_1230"},{"text":"In its first request, Valluzzo seeks review of the WCJ’s failure to award","paragraph_id":"para_1231"},{"text":"Valluzzo all attorney’s fees incurred to be made part of the restitution award","paragraph_id":"para_1232"},{"text":"pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1208(C)(4). Then, in its third request, Valluzzo asks for","paragraph_id":"para_1233"},{"text":"judicial interest on the restitution award pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201.3. In its","paragraph_id":"para_1234"},{"text":"fourth request, Valluzzo prays for additional costs, including penalties and attorney","paragraph_id":"para_1235"},{"text":"fees, pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201(G) for Ms. Reissland’s failure to pay any","paragraph_id":"para_1236"},{"text":"amount required by the WCJ’s January 13, 2025 judgment. We already addressed","paragraph_id":"para_1237"},{"text":"Valluzzo’s request pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1201(G) in our resolution of Valluzzo’s","paragraph_id":"para_1238"},{"text":"assignments of error. That request and Valluzzo’s first and third requests are for","paragraph_id":"para_1239"},{"text":"additional amounts stemming from the January 13, 2025 restitution judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_1240"},{"text":"Because we vacated the WCJ’s January 13, 2025 judgment, we deny Valluzzo’s","paragraph_id":"para_1241"},{"text":"first, third, and fourth requests as moot insofar as they are offshoots of the now","paragraph_id":"para_1242"},{"text":"vacated restitution judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_1243"},{"text":"Request Number 2","paragraph_id":"para_1244"},{"text":"In its second request, Valluzzo asserts the WCJ erred in failing to award the","paragraph_id":"para_1245"},{"text":"total requested attorney’s fees and costs pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1310.9. Valluzzo","paragraph_id":"para_1246"},{"text":"asks this Court to modify the WCJ’s January 13, 2025 judgment so as to award","paragraph_id":"para_1247"},{"text":"such fees and costs under the statute. However, as previously explained in","paragraph_id":"para_1248"},{"text":"addressing Valluzzo’s assignments of error, Valluzzo seeks fees and costs under","paragraph_id":"para_1249"},{"text":"La. R.S. 23:1310.9 pursuant to Ms. Reissland’s violation of La. R.S. 23:1208. We","paragraph_id":"para_1250"},{"text":"reversed the WCJ’s finding of a violation of La. R.S. 23:1208, so Valluzzo’s","paragraph_id":"para_1251"},{"text":"contention that it is entitled to fees and costs for same is now moot.","paragraph_id":"para_1252"},{"text":"44","paragraph_id":"para_1253"},{"text":"Request Number 5","paragraph_id":"para_1254","court_paragraph":44},{"text":"Next, Valluzzo asserts the WCJ erred in certain parts of the December 5,","paragraph_id":"para_1255"},{"text":"2024 judgment, specifically in finding that Ms. Reissland proved the alleged","paragraph_id":"para_1256"},{"text":"workplace accident of May 4, 2023; proved she sustained a work-related injury;","paragraph_id":"para_1257"},{"text":"proved she sustained injuries related to the work accident; and proved a causal","paragraph_id":"para_1258"},{"text":"connection between the accident and her injuries. Additionally, Valluzzo contends","paragraph_id":"para_1259"},{"text":"the WCJ erred in finding Valluzzo did not prove entitlement to the intoxication","paragraph_id":"para_1260"},{"text":"presumption due to Ms. Reissland’s delay in submitting to its drug testing requests.","paragraph_id":"para_1261"},{"text":"Further, Valluzzo asserts the WCJ erred in finding Valluzzo failed to prove Ms.","paragraph_id":"para_1262"},{"text":"Reissland’s intoxication was the cause of her work accident. Valluzzo asks this","paragraph_id":"para_1263"},{"text":"Court to modify these aspects of the WCJ’s December 5, 2024 judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_1264"},{"text":"Of note, Valluzzo did not provide any explanation or reasons in its Answer","paragraph_id":"para_1265"},{"text":"as to why this Court should amend these parts of the December 5, 2024 judgment.","paragraph_id":"para_1266"},{"text":"Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 2133(A) states, in pertinent part, that","paragraph_id":"para_1267"},{"text":"“[t]he answer filed by the appellee shall be equivalent to an appeal on his part from","paragraph_id":"para_1268"},{"text":"any portion of the judgment rendered against him in favor of the appellant and of","paragraph_id":"para_1269"},{"text":"which he complains in his answer.” Because Valluzzo’s Answer constitutes an","paragraph_id":"para_1270"},{"text":"appeal, we will treat the answer like an appellant brief. Regarding the appellant","paragraph_id":"para_1271"},{"text":"brief, Rule 2-12.4(B)(4) of the Uniform Rules of the Courts of Appeal instructs","paragraph_id":"para_1272"},{"text":"that “[a]ll assignments of error and issues for review shall be briefed. The court","paragraph_id":"para_1273"},{"text":"may deem as abandoned any assignment of error or issue for review which has not","paragraph_id":"para_1274"},{"text":"been briefed.” (Emphasis added.) In St. Germain v. St. Germain, this Court applied","paragraph_id":"para_1275"},{"text":"Uniform Rule 2-12.4(B)(4) to an appellee’s answer. 2020-0146, p. 2 (La. App. 4","paragraph_id":"para_1276"},{"text":"Cir. 3/17/21), 315 So.3d 443, 445 n.1. Specifically, the Court deemed appellee’s","paragraph_id":"para_1277"},{"text":"request for “costs and attorney’s fees for having to oppose a frivolous appeal” as","paragraph_id":"para_1278"},{"text":"45","paragraph_id":"para_1279"},{"text":"abandoned because “[c]ounsel did not brief the issue on appeal.” Id. (citing","paragraph_id":"para_1280","court_paragraph":45},{"text":"Uniform Rules, Courts of Appeal, Rule 2-12.4(B)(4)). Though Rule 2-12.4(B)(4)","paragraph_id":"para_1281"},{"text":"gives the appellate court discretion in deciding whether to deem an issue","paragraph_id":"para_1282"},{"text":"abandoned, as in St. Germain, we decline to exercise our discretion and review","paragraph_id":"para_1283"},{"text":"these parts of the judgment in light of Valluzzo’s failure to brief its argument as to","paragraph_id":"para_1284"},{"text":"their invalidity. To act otherwise, i.e., to analyze and discuss the validity of these","paragraph_id":"para_1285"},{"text":"parts of the judgment, permits a defendant-appellee like Valluzzo to throw a","paragraph_id":"para_1286"},{"text":"“kitchen sink” argument at this Court without any effort on its part. There are no","paragraph_id":"para_1287"},{"text":"extenuating circumstances (e.g., a pro se party) that justify Valluzzo’s failure to","paragraph_id":"para_1288"},{"text":"brief these issues. Accordingly, we deny Valluzzo’s answer in this regard.","paragraph_id":"para_1289"},{"text":"Request Number 6","paragraph_id":"para_1290"},{"text":"Finally, Valluzzo requests “all further costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees","paragraph_id":"para_1291"},{"text":"incurred in responding to this appeal” pursuant to La. C.C.P. art. 2133(A).","paragraph_id":"para_1292"},{"text":"Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 2133 delineates when an appellee must","paragraph_id":"para_1293"},{"text":"answer an appeal. It provides, in pertinent part, that “[a]n appellee shall not be","paragraph_id":"para_1294"},{"text":"obliged to answer the appeal unless he desires to have the judgment modified,","paragraph_id":"para_1295"},{"text":"revised, or reversed in part or unless he demands damages against the appellant.”","paragraph_id":"para_1296"},{"text":"La. C.C.P. art. 2133(A). Further, La. C.C.P. art. 2164 provides:","paragraph_id":"para_1297"},{"text":"The appellate court shall render any judgment which is just, legal, and","paragraph_id":"para_1298"},{"text":"proper upon the record on appeal. The court may award damages,","paragraph_id":"para_1299"},{"text":"including attorney fees, for frivolous appeal or application for writs,","paragraph_id":"para_1300"},{"text":"and may tax the costs of the lower or appellate court, or any part","paragraph_id":"para_1301"},{"text":"thereof, against any party to the suit, as in its judgment may be","paragraph_id":"para_1302"},{"text":"considered equitable.","paragraph_id":"para_1303"},{"text":"In interpreting La. C.C.P. art. 2164, this Court recently held that “unless the appeal","paragraph_id":"para_1304"},{"text":"is unquestionably frivolous, damages will not be granted” as “[a]ppeals are always","paragraph_id":"para_1305"},{"text":"favored” and “frivolous appeal damages may result in a chilling effect . . . on the","paragraph_id":"para_1306"},{"text":"46","paragraph_id":"para_1307"},{"text":"appellate process.” Hose v. O’Connell, 2024-0493, p. 43 (La. App. 4 Cir. 5/8/25),","paragraph_id":"para_1308","court_paragraph":46},{"text":"___ So.3d ___, ___, 2025 WL 1341639, at *21 (as amended on rehearing) (internal","paragraph_id":"para_1309"},{"text":"quotation marks omitted) (quoting Alexander v. La. State Bd. of Priv. Investigator","paragraph_id":"para_1310"},{"text":"Exam’rs, 2023-0159, p. 41 (La. App. 4 Cir. 10/25/24), 409 So.3d 37, 66). This","paragraph_id":"para_1311"},{"text":"Court has also held that “[b]ecause the statute [La. C.C.P. art. 2164] allowing the","paragraph_id":"para_1312"},{"text":"imposition of damages for frivolous appeal is penal in nature, it must be strictly","paragraph_id":"para_1313"},{"text":"construed in favor of the appellant.” Id. at p. 44, ___ So.3d at ___, 2025 WL","paragraph_id":"para_1314"},{"text":"1341639, at *21 (quoting Forrester v. Bruno, 2023-0336, 0335, p. 12 (La. App. 4","paragraph_id":"para_1315"},{"text":"Cir. 12/7/23), 380 So.3d 598, 606). If there is any “[d]oubt as to whether an appeal","paragraph_id":"para_1316"},{"text":"is frivolous,” then the appellate court should resolve the issue “in the appellant’s","paragraph_id":"para_1317"},{"text":"favor.” Id. (quoting Forrester, 2023-0336, 0335, p. 13, 380 So.3d at 607).","paragraph_id":"para_1318"},{"text":"An appeal is a frivolous one if it “does not present a substantial legal","paragraph_id":"para_1319"},{"text":"question, if the sole purpose of the appeal is delay, or if the appealing counsel does","paragraph_id":"para_1320"},{"text":"not seriously believe the view of the law that he advocates.” Id. (quoting","paragraph_id":"para_1321"},{"text":"Alexander, 2023-0159, 409 So.3d at 67). Therefore, an appellate court will award","paragraph_id":"para_1322"},{"text":"“[d]amages for a frivolous appeal . . . if the appellant is attempting to delay the","paragraph_id":"para_1323"},{"text":"action, if the appellant does not believe what he is advocating, or if the appeal","paragraph_id":"para_1324"},{"text":"presents no substantial legal question.” Id. For an award of frivolous appeal","paragraph_id":"para_1325"},{"text":"damages to be “proper,” the appellant’s “proposition advocated” must be “so","paragraph_id":"para_1326"},{"text":"ridiculous or so opposed to rational thinking that it is evident beyond any doubt","paragraph_id":"para_1327"},{"text":"that it is being deliberately professed for ulterior purposes.” Id. “Unless the appeal","paragraph_id":"para_1328"},{"text":"meets one of those criteria, the appellate court will not award frivolous appeal","paragraph_id":"para_1329"},{"text":"damages even if the ‘appeal lacks serious legal merit.’” Id. (quoting Forrester,","paragraph_id":"para_1330"},{"text":"2023-0336, 0335, p. 13, 380 So.3d at 607).","paragraph_id":"para_1331"},{"text":"47","paragraph_id":"para_1332"},{"text":"Applying the rule of strict construction against Valluzzo and considering the","paragraph_id":"para_1333","court_paragraph":47},{"text":"record in this case, we conclude Ms. Reissland’s appeal is not frivolous. The","paragraph_id":"para_1334"},{"text":"record does not support a finding that Ms. Reissland filed her appeal for the","paragraph_id":"para_1335"},{"text":"purpose of delaying the action; her counsel did not seriously believe the law or","paragraph_id":"para_1336"},{"text":"position advocated; or the appeal presented no substantial legal question(s).","paragraph_id":"para_1337"},{"text":"Therefore, this matter does not meet the requirements of a frivolous appeal. We","paragraph_id":"para_1338"},{"text":"deny Valluzzo’s request for costs, expenses, and attorney’s fees pursuant to La.","paragraph_id":"para_1339"},{"text":"C.C.P. art. 2133(A).","paragraph_id":"para_1340"},{"text":"DECREE","paragraph_id":"para_1341"},{"text":"For the foregoing reasons, we reverse the WCJ’s December 5, 2024","paragraph_id":"para_1342"},{"text":"judgment in part; vacate the January 13, 2025 judgment; and remand this matter to","paragraph_id":"para_1343"},{"text":"the WCJ with instructions. We deny the requests found in Valluzzo’s Answer.","paragraph_id":"para_1344"},{"text":"REVERSED IN PART; VACATED IN PART; REMANDED WITH","paragraph_id":"para_1345"},{"text":"INSTRUCTIONS; ANSWER TO APPEAL DENIED","paragraph_id":"para_1346"}],"word_count":14293,"cites":[],"cited_by":[],"sha256":"92938018a611409fea98c8e3b77152ef1c410c0f760132ba6966c425aab5b28c","source_url":"https://www.la4th.org/opinion/2025/4952703.pdf","fetched_at":"2026-10-10T18:30:35.594+00:00","canonical":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/ai/judgments/us/lactapp-2025-ca-0379-2025-12-29","risk_graph":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0379-2025-12-29","relations_graph":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0379-2025-12-29","changes":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/changes","agent":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0379-2025-12-29","verification":{"stored_sha256":"92938018a611409fea98c8e3b77152ef1c410c0f760132ba6966c425aab5b28c","recomputed_sha256":"92938018a611409fea98c8e3b77152ef1c410c0f760132ba6966c425aab5b28c","intact":true,"checked_at":"2026-10-10T18:30:38.491Z"}},"hash":"sha256:0ef831600122c79fb7503f323f87e7a8b5c15d50bf44b19f7c69518dde73940c","version":"legal-2026-10-10","expires":"2026-10-11T00:00:00.000Z","dependency":{"index_version":"legal-2026-10-10+legal-2026-10-10+2026-10-10T17:33:01","content_hash":"sha256:0ef831600122c79fb7503f323f87e7a8b5c15d50bf44b19f7c69518dde73940c","revalidate_after":"2026-10-10T19:30:38.659Z","max_copy_age_seconds":3600,"policy":"revalidate-required; attribution-preferred","changelog":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/dependency","verify":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/verify","stale_copy_invalid":true},"canonical":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/judgment-text?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0379-2025-12-29","follow":[{"rel":"risk","href":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/risk?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0379-2025-12-29"},{"rel":"relations","href":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/relations?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0379-2025-12-29"},{"rel":"agent","href":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/us-praxis/agent?id=us:lactapp-2025-ca-0379-2025-12-29"},{"rel":"obligations","href":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/obligation-chain"},{"rel":"changes","href":"https://legal.exploreworldai.com/api/public/v1/whats-new?jurisdiction=us"}],"disclaimer":"Source reference with official identifier. 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