Supreme Court Says Forfeiture of Benefits for Fraudsters Applies Prospectively

The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled that a worker’s forfeiture of benefits for making a willful misrepresentation applies prospectively from the date of the misrepresentation, not retroactively to the date of injury. Johnny Cousain worked for Smitty’s Supply Inc. He was involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident in June 2021. Cousain reported the accident to his employer on the day it happened, and he denied having any injuries at that time. He was terminated two days later. Cousain then reported neck and back injuries to Smitty’s by letter, through counsel, demanding...