Man's worker's comp cutoff after 5 years, sues to reinstate

After nearly five years of receiving worker's compensation, Louie Meiers lost his benefits.

On March 3 he filed suit against Zurich American Insurance in Jefferson County District Court, seeking to reinstate the worker's comp claim.

Court records show that on May 31, 2006, Meiers, a former Performance Contractors employee, was injured while one the job. Because of his physical impairment, he received worker's comp.

On Feb. 22 the appeals panel of the Texas Department of Insurance issued a decision affirming a hearing officer's decision ending Meiers' benefits for the fifth compensable quarter, the suit states.

The hearing had found that Meiers was not actively participating in a vocational rehabilitation program for the qualifying period and was also not totally unable to work.

In his suit, Meiers alleges the evidence does not support the decision.

He asking the court to vacate the order and reinstate his benefits for the fifth compensable quarter.

Beaumont attorney Clay Dugas represents him.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. D189-525