R & R Steel Erectors v. Watson

I,YELVERTON, J.

R & R Steel Erectors appeals a judgment from the Office of Workers’ Compensation which refused to confirm a default judgment finding that Terry Watson violated Louisiana Revised Statute 23:1208. The judgment also dismissed all claims of R & R with prejudice. We reverse and render.

FACTS

Watson injured his lower back on December 6, 1999, while employed as a construction worker for R & R Steel Erectors (R & R). Watson and a co-worker were climbing two 12-foot ladders at the same time while carrying a 24-foot truss. The co-worker was climbing faster than Wat*1230son, which caused the…