1. A. Perfecting Settlements

   1. 1. A lump sum or compromise settlement shall be presented to the presiding judge in a pending disputed claim or to any judge in an undisputed claim for approval on Form LW-WC-1011 and upon joint petition of the parties.
   2. 2. The procedure for perfecting settlements shall be governed by R.S. 23:1272. A hearing in open court with all parties present shall be required when one or more parties is not represented by counsel. Appearance by the parties and/or their representative may be waived if all parties are represented by counsel. In special circumstances and in the interest of judicial economy, the judge may allow the unrepresented party to waive his appearance and permit the party to appear by telephone. Appearance by the represented parties and/or their representative may be waived in written form.
2. B. When one or more parties is not represented by counsel, the judge may appoint an attorney to assist the court in determining whether the settlement does substantial justice and is in the best interest of all parties. In such cases the court may approve an attorney's fee to be paid out of the proceeds of the settlement.
3. C. Upon request of both parties or upon the order of the Court, the Court shall allow the participation of any party in any settlement hearing and proceeding to be conducted via virtual conference.

Authority Note

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 23:1310.1.

Historical Note

HISTORICAL NOTE: Promulgated by the Department of Labor, Office of Workers' Compensation Administration, LR 25:268 (February 1999), amended LR 25:1863 (October 1999), LR 33:654 (April 2007), amended by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, Office of Workers’ Compensation, LR 37:1628 (June 2011), amended by Louisiana Works, Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration, LR 51:1622 (October 2025).