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Workers’ Comp Litigation Bill Moves to House Floor
Slated for a full House vote Wednesday, HB 780 by Rep. Gabe Firment (R-Pollock) would bring a practical, balanced approach to one of the biggest cost drivers in Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system: excessive litigation. The bill targets two key issues—clarifying when punitive attorney fees may be awarded and restoring an underutilized administrative process designed to resolve disputes quickly.
First, HB 780 strengthens the preliminary determination process, a “safe harbor” pathway that encourages faster resolutions when all parties comply. Over time, technical barriers have allowed this process to be bypassed in favor of costly litigation. By removing those obstacles, the bill helps ensure injured workers receive decisions and benefits sooner—without unnecessary delays or legal expenses.
Second, the bill establishes a single, consistent standard for awarding punitive attorney fees, requiring proof of “arbitrary and capricious” conduct in all cases. This aligns existing law, raises the bar for excessive fee claims and discourages litigation driven more by technicalities than merit.
Louisiana’s workers’ comp system currently ranks among the most expensive in the country when it comes to litigation. As LABI’s Patrick Robinson noted when the House Labor Committee advanced this bill, excessive litigation is driving up costs, delaying outcomes and putting unnecessary strain on both employers and employees.
HB 780 offers a straightforward solution: faster dispute resolution, lower costs and a system that works better for everyone—without reducing benefits for injured workers. It’s a common-sense step toward making Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system more efficient, predictable and competitive.