Opinion

Broussard v. Dillard Department Stores, Inc.

  • 16 La.App. 3 Cir. 134
  • 211 So. 3d 1269
  • 2017 La. App. LEXIS 224
Court
Louisiana Court of Appeal
Filed
Feb 15, 2017
Status
Published
Author
Amy
On the bench
Amy, Chatelain, Kyzar, Saunders, Savoie
Cited by
0 cases

The opinion

AMY, J.,

dissenting.

I respectfully dissent from the majority decision. Notwithstanding the parties’ positions regarding subject matter jurisdiction, I point out that the “Motion to Compel Retainer of Licensed Claims Adjuster” relies upon the application of La.R.S. 23:1161.1(A). The statute provides that “[a]ny insurer ... who issues a policy for workers’ compensation in this state shall either establish and maintain a claims office within the state or retain a licensed claims adjuster.” (Emphasis added.)

As represented in the opposition to the writ application, and as observed by the majority, Gallagher Bassett maintains a claims office within Louisiana. Thus, it has fulfilled La.R.S. 23:1161.1(A) by satisfying the first of two methods permitted by the statute. Requiring the respondent to further “retain a licensed claims adjuster” eliminates the statute’s use of the terms “either” and “or[.j” And, by its singular request that the “Employer/Insurer be compelled to retain a licensed claims adjuster, with an office located in the State of Louisiana[,]” the motion to compel simply collapses the two methods of compliance set forth by the statute.

Finding the statute satisfied, I would deny the present writ application.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.

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