Employer Had Good Reason to Controvert Claim, Court Rules

A worker was not entitled to penalties because his statutory employer had a reasonable basis to dispute the claim, Louisiana's 1st Circuit Court of Appeals ruled. Case: Arabie Brothers Trucking Co. v. Gautreaux, No. 2012 CA 0849, 12/21/12, published.Facts: Patrick Gautreaux was cutting a large tree on Jan. 27, 2000, when it fell to the ground and crushed him. He remained in a coma until his death on Oct. 11, 2007. At the time of the accident, Arabie Brothers Trucking Company was clearing a commercial site for the construction of a video store in Houma, Louisiana. Arabie subcontracted with ...