Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming when you’ve been injured on the job. You may be tempted to accept a quick settlement to cover immediate medical bills and lost wages. However, it’s crucial to understand the long-term implications of such a decision. A recent Louisiana case highlights the importance of carefully considering settlement agreements in workers’ compensation claims.
Benny Hernandez was injured at work in 2014. He initially filed a workers’ compensation claim, represented by an attorney, and reached a settlement with his employer and its insurer. The settlement was approved by a workers’ compensation judge, and Hernandez’s claim was dismissed with prejudice.
However, a year later, Hernandez filed another claim related to the same injury. His employer and insurer responded with a peremptory exception of res judicata, arguing that the matter had already been resolved. The court agreed and dismissed Hernandez’s second claim.