According to the Louisiana Department of Health, there are about two million workers in Louisiana, and each year, thousands of those workers are injured, killed, or become ill due to exposure to hazards at work. The worst part is that these events are almost always preventable. In 2019, Louisiana Workers’ Compensations claims alone cost more than $982 million.
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Louisiana, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Don’t let insurance companies and employers take advantage of you. An experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer with Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno can help you navigate the complex legal system and secure the compensation you need and deserve.
Dealing with a workplace injury can be overwhelming, especially when faced with a reluctant HR department or a difficult workers’ compensation office. Our Louisiana workers’ compensation law firm is here to fight for your rights.
While Louisiana law mandates workers’ compensation insurance for nearly all employers, some companies may try to deny or minimize valid claims. Our attorneys are skilled at holding negligent employers accountable and ensuring you receive the full benefits you deserve.
At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, our dedicated Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers are committed to helping you recover from your injury. We’ll handle the legal complexities, so you can focus on healing. Our goal is to secure the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
To maximize your chances of a successful workers’ compensation claim, it’s crucial to take the following steps:
Promptly reporting your work-related injury or illness to your employer is a critical first step. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, nearly every employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. By notifying your employer within 30 days of the incident, you establish a clear connection between your injury and your job. A timely report can significantly strengthen your claim and expedite the claims process.
After sustaining a work-related injury, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Timely medical treatment can help prevent further complications and aid in your recovery. Be sure to choose a healthcare provider who is authorized by the Office of Workers’ Compensation. By following your doctor’s treatment plan, you can demonstrate the seriousness of your injury and support your claim.
Maintain detailed records of your injury, including medical records, incident reports, and witness statements. These documents can provide valuable evidence to support your claim. Additionally, it’s helpful to keep a journal to document your symptoms, limitations, and the impact of the injury on your daily life.
Insurance companies may employ various tactics to delay, deny, or minimize workers’ compensation claims. These tactics may include requesting unnecessary medical examinations, disputing the severity of your injury, or questioning the cause of your injury. To protect your rights, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced Baton Rouge workers’ compensation attorney.
Clear and timely communication with your employer and the insurance company is essential. Provide accurate and detailed information about the incident, including the date, time, and location of the injury. Avoid making any statements that could jeopardize your claim.
While it’s possible to navigate the workers’ compensation system on your own, hiring an experienced attorney can significantly increase your chances of a successful claim. MRD can handle complex legal procedures, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in hearings.
By following these steps and seeking legal advice, you can protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Louisiana, you may be eligible for several types of workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to help you cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injury.
If your work injury prevents you from working entirely, you may be eligible for temporary total disability benefits. These benefits provide financial support while you recover and are unable to return to work.
If your injury limits your ability to work but doesn’t completely prevent you from working, you may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits. These benefits help compensate for the loss of wages due to your reduced earning capacity.
For injuries that result in permanent impairment, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits. These benefits can provide ongoing financial support to help you adjust to your new circumstances.
In cases of severe and permanent injuries that completely prevent you from working, you may qualify for permanent total disability benefits. These benefits provide long-term financial support to help you meet your ongoing needs.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Louisiana, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To qualify, you generally must meet the following criteria:
You must be a current employee, not an independent contractor.
Your injury or illness must have occurred while performing your job duties.
You must work for an employer that carries workers’ compensation insurance. Louisiana law requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Some of those employers who may be exempt from this requirement include domestic employees, certain public officials, and agricultural workers with less than five employees.
While Louisiana requires nearly all employers to carry workers’ compensation, there are some exemptions. You need to be sure you are eligible for workers’ compensation by verifying your employment status, ensuring your injury or illness occurred while performing your job duties, and you need to be sure your employer has workers’ compensation insurance.
If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s crucial to report the incident to your employer within 30 days. Your employer, in turn, must report the injury to their insurance carrier within 10 days.
It’s important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Louisiana. Injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024 have a two year statute of limitations, while injuries occurring before July 1, 2024 have a one year statute of limitations. You must file the claim before the statute of limitations has elapsed to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
If you and your employer or insurance company disagree on issues such as the extent of your injury, the amount of compensation, or the type of medical treatment you need, you can file a claim with the Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation (OWC), which will mediate the dispute.
If you feel you need assistance with your workers’ compensation claim, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via phone at (225) 303-0455 or if you would like one of our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys to reach out to you, complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.