Despain v. Guichard Drilling Co.

LUCIEN C. BERTRAND, Jr., Judge Pro Tem.

Kenneth Despain appeals a judgment from the Office of Workers’ Compensation denying his claim for benefits and penalties and attorney’s fees. For the following reasons, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and render.

Despain was employed by Guiehard Drilling Company as a derrickman. On April 20, 1990, the valve on a mud pump blew off, releasing pressurized drilling mud, sand and chemicals that struck Despain and threw him several feet across the drilling platform. He sustained injuries to his eyes and to the left side of his body, particularly to his left…