A construction worker is injured on a Louisiana job site. The contractor's workers' compensation carrier has 15 days to investigate. If they don't respond within this period, what happens to the claim?
Correct Answer
C) Claim is automatically accepted
Under Louisiana workers' compensation law, if the carrier fails to respond within 15 days, the claim is deemed accepted.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under Louisiana workers' compensation law, carriers have a strict 15-day deadline to investigate and respond to injury claims. This automatic acceptance rule protects injured workers from indefinite delays and ensures prompt medical care and benefits. The law creates a presumption in favor of the worker when carriers fail to meet their statutory obligation to timely investigate claims, making the claim legally accepted by operation of law.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Investigation period extends to 30 days
Louisiana law does not provide for automatic extensions of the investigation period. The 15-day deadline is firm and absolute. Carriers cannot simply extend their investigation time unilaterally - they must either accept, deny, or request additional time through proper legal channels within the initial 15-day period.
Option B: Case goes to immediate hearing
Claims do not automatically proceed to hearing when carriers fail to respond. The hearing process is a separate procedure that occurs after claim acceptance or denial. Since non-response results in automatic acceptance, there would be no dispute requiring an immediate hearing unless other issues arise later.
Option D: Claim is automatically denied
Automatic denial would be contrary to Louisiana's worker-protective approach to workers' compensation. The law favors injured workers when carriers fail to meet their obligations. Automatic denial would create an incentive for carriers to simply ignore claims, which would undermine the entire workers' compensation system.
Memory Technique
Remember '15 Days = YES' - if Louisiana carriers don't respond within 15 days, the answer is automatically YES (accepted). The law protects workers from carrier delays.
More la-supplement Questions
A contractor in Louisiana completes $85,000 worth of work on a residential project. The owner pays $70,000 but disputes the remaining $15,000. If the contractor files a lien claim, what percentage penalty can be awarded if the contractor prevails in court?
A contractor discovers contaminated soil during excavation that requires special disposal. The disposal cost is $12,000, and transportation is $3,500. If this was not foreseeable from the contract documents, who typically bears this cost under Louisiana law?
Under Louisiana law, what is the minimum amount of workers' compensation insurance coverage required for construction contractors?
A contractor's employee is injured on a job site in Louisiana. The contractor has workers' compensation insurance. Which statement is correct regarding the employee's rights?
Under Louisiana Civil Code, if a building contract does not specify a completion date, when is the work considered to be due?
Under Louisiana building codes, what is the minimum width required for emergency egress windows in bedrooms?
A Class B contractor in Louisiana wants to bid on a project worth $175,000. What action must they take?
A contractor's worker is injured and files for workers' compensation. The injury occurred due to the worker's intoxication. Under Louisiana law, what is the likely outcome?
A general contractor discovers contaminated soil during excavation for a commercial project in Louisiana. Which state agency must be notified?
A contractor discovers contaminated soil during excavation in Louisiana. Which state agency must be notified immediately?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
A contractor completes work on a private residence in Louisiana on March 15th. Under the Private Works Act, what is the deadline to file a lien claim?
Next Question
A contractor discovers contaminated soil during excavation for a foundation in Louisiana. What is the first required action under state environmental regulations?