Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 38, § 385. Delay by defendant forfeits defenses; judgment

A. Failure of a party to file his answer timely constitutes a waiver of all his defenses to the suit including any claim for additional compensation.

B. This provision shall be operative without formal order, but on ex parte motion of the levee district or levee and drainage district, the trial court shall render final judgment fixing just compensation in the amount deposited in the registry of the court and awarding that sum to the defendant.