Babineaux v. Moss Motors
Babineaux v. Moss Motors, 944 So. 2d 882 (La. Ct. App. 1st Cir. 2006).
Cited by
- Lafayette Steel Erector, Inc. v. James Constance La. Ct. App. 3d Cir. 2014
- Lafayette Steel Erector, Inc. v. Constance 137 So. 3d 1251 La. Ct. App. 1st Cir. 2014
- Corey Lamartiniere v. Boise Cascade Corporation La. Ct. App. 3d Cir. 2014
- Lamartiniere v. Boise Cascade Corp. 137 So. 3d 119 La. Ct. App. 1st Cir. 2014
- Martha Diana Rougeau v. St. Francis Cabrini Hospital La. Ct. App. 3d Cir. 2013
- Rougeou v. St. Francis Cabrini Hospital 107 So. 3d 851 La. Ct. App. 1st Cir. 2013
Authorities cited
Identified automatically; this list may not be exhaustive.
- State v. Campbell 660 So. 2d 7
- Alexander v. Pellerin Marble & Granite 630 So. 2d 706
- Jim Walter Homes, Inc. v. Guilbeau 934 So. 2d 239
Opinion text
DECUIR, Judge. | ¶Workers’ compensation claimant appeals a judgment finding he forfeited benefits under the provisions of La.R.S. 23:1208. FACTS Joseph Babineaux alleges that, on September 11, 2003, he injured his back while *883 loading an air compressor in the course and scope of his employment with Moss Motors. Babineaux filed a disputed claim for benefits, and Moss Motors answered alleging that Babineaux misrepresented his prior medical history in violation of La.R.S. 23:1208 and thereby forfeited his benefits. Babineaux denied treatment for prior back injuries for which he had settled one lawsuit and confirmed a default judgment in the second. He denied the injuries in pre-hire applications, post-hire and post-accident questionnaires, in his statement, deposition and testimony at his hearing. Despite finding Babineaux likable and a good employee, the workers’ compensation judge could not escape the conclusion that he misrepresented his prior injuries for the purpose of obtaining benefits. Accordingly, the workers’ compensation judge found that under the provisions of La.R.S. 23:1208, Babineaux had forfeited his benefits. Babineaux lodged this appeal. FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS Babineaux contends the workers’ compensation judge erred in finding that he failed to disclose prior injuries for the purpose of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits and, therefore, forfeited his right to benefits under the provisions of La.R.S. 23:1208. In Resweber v. Haroil Construction Co., 94-2708, 94-3138 (La.9/5/95), 660 So.2d 7 , the supreme court noted that in order to forfeit benefits, La.R.S. 23:1208 requires that 1) there is a false statement, 2) it is willfully made, and 3) it is made for the purpose of obtaining or defeating any benefit or payment. An appellate court | areviews factual determinations of the workers’ compensation judge under the manifest error or clearly wrong standard. Alexander v. Pellerin Marble & Granite, 93-1698 (La.1/14/94), 630 So.2d 706 . After careful review of the record, we find no manifest error in the workers’ compensation judge’s determination that Babineaux forfeited his benefits. This was clearly a difficult decision for the workers’ compensation judge. However, ultimately, she could not reconcile the claimant’s demeanor with the evidence of multiple misrepresentations regarding his prior history of back injuries. She found that she could not credit Babineaux’s contention that he did not remember two incidents that involved legal proceedings. Accordingly, this assignment has no merit, and the remaining assignments are moot. CONSTITUTIONALITY OF LA.R.S. 23:1208 Babineaux also asks this court to review the constitutionality of La.R.S. 23:1208. Babineaux challenged the constitutionality of the statute in his motion for new trial. This does not comport with the procedures for challenging constitutionality outlined in La.R.S. 23:1310.3(F). Accordingly, we cannot address the issue as it is not properly before this court. See Jim Walter Homes, Inc. v. Guilbeau, 051473 (La.App. 3 Cir. 6/21/06), 934 So.2d 239 . DECREE For the foregoing reasons, the judgment of the workers’ compensation judge is affirmed. All costs of these proceedings are taxed to appellant, Joseph Babineaux. AFFIRMED.