Worker Doesn't Forfeit Entitlement to Benefits by Failing to Disclose 3rd-Party Settlements

A Louisiana appellate court overturned a finding that an injured worker had forfeited her entitlement to benefits by settling her claims against motorists for car accidents that aggravated her work-related injury. Case: Hatchell v. St. Michael PFU LLC, No. 22-46, 03/01/2023, published. Facts: Theresa Hatchell worked for St. Michael PFU LLC as a certified nursing assistant. She injured her neck and left shoulder moving a patient from a bed to a wheelchair in May 2012. St. Michael started paying indemnity benefits June 15, 2012, and started covering medical expenses July 5, 2012.  ...