An accident can happen in any workplace. If you are injured in an accident at work, Louisiana law entitles you to file a claim for workers’ compensation. Your work-related injury or illness makes you eligible to recover compensation for medical treatment and lost income while you are recovering.
If you are struggling to navigate the workers’ compensation process on your own or your claim gets denied, a Carencro workers’ compensation lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to assist you. We can file an appeal on your behalf or file a personal injury lawsuit against a liable third party.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Canrenco
The workplace can be dangerous, even if you do not think your job or industry is particularly hazardous. Injuries commonly occur due to:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Falls from scaffolding or other heights
- Exposure to chemicals or hazardous materials
- Electrocution
- Machinery defects
- Repetitive motions
- Overexertion
Your on-the-job accident may have caused a serious injury. In other cases, repetitive motions can cause medical problems over time. Either situation can make you eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer serving Carencro, call (337) 777-7777
What Type of Injury Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation
You may think only serious, sudden injuries qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits, but this is not the case. There are a variety of injuries and ailments covered, including:
Illnesses developed at work: An occupational illness can qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits if it can be directly linked to your workplace.
Serious injuries: Common workplace injuries include burns, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. You should seek medical treatment right away following your injury. Recovery can take a long time, which means missing work, and a need for workers’ compensation benefits, as well as additional compensation for future health care such as rehabilitation or long-term nursing care.
Loss or partial loss of hearing or vision: Losing or partially losing one of your senses due to a workplace accident can be traumatic. The loss of the ability to see or hear can affect your ability to work in the same capacity as before, prevent you from working, or force you to take a lower-paying job.
Repetitive stress injuries: Sometimes, the motions you perform every day at your job can wear on certain joints and tendons in your body. These repetitive stress injuries can cause pain, numbness, and stiffness in your hands, elbows, and shoulders. These injuries can make it hard to work and could worsen over time.
Mental distress or PTSD: An injury or illness that causes acute mental distress or post-traumatic stress disorder can, in certain cases, be covered under workers’ compensation in Louisiana.
Carencro Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Applying for Workers’ Compensation In Your Carencro Workplace Accident
You need to act quickly after your injury. Reporting the accident or the development of your medical issue to your employer must be done within 30 days.
Your employer will need to notify the Office of Workers’ Compensation within ten days of receiving your notice.
What Workers’ Compensation Can Help Cover
Getting injured on the job can cause a lot of financial stress. Your workers’ compensation benefits are supposed to help you cover various expenses and help make up for the loss of your paycheck. Your benefits typically help cover:
- Hospital bills
- Prescription medications
- In-home care
- Medical devices
- Surgeries and other treatments
Your workers’ compensation benefits can also help compensate for lost wages until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) or are deemed well enough to return to work.
When Your Employer Denies Your Claim
Unfortunately, in some cases, a claim can be denied. The workers’ compensation system is a no-fault one, meaning you should qualify for benefits even if a workplace injury occurred due to your mistake or inexperience.
However, sometimes an employer can accuse you of putting yourself in danger, blaming your workplace accident on you. They may accuse you of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while working. Your employer could say that the injury did not happen while you were on the job. They could even blame a pre-existing health condition for your recent medical problems.
In any case, it is important to file an appeal. You have one year to file with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA). You may be able to reach a settlement through mediation, or you may have to go to a hearing and make your case before a judge. A workers’ compensation lawyer serving Carencro from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can file your appeal, attend any hearings on your behalf, and file your case in civil court against a third party if necessary.
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How Your Workers’ Comp Lawyer Will Assist You
Your lawyer can help you with every aspect of your workers’ compensation case. Your attorney can:
- Gather the evidence needed to make your case
- Defend you against any accusations of wrongdoing from your employer
- Prepare you for your hearing in front of a judge and present your case
- Handle communications for you and keep you updated on your case
- Answer all of your questions about the workers’ compensation system
A lawyer from our firm serving Carencro is ready to act as a powerful advocate for you and your family.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Affording a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
When you hire one of our attorneys to help you with your workers’ compensation case, you do not need to worry about paying any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. Instead, we work on contingency. Our firm only gets paid if we win a settlement or court award for you. You can discuss the details of your case during an initial free consultation with a dedicated team member.
Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
If you need help navigating the workers’ compensation system or filing your appeal, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today. We offer free consultations and would be happy to tell you more about our legal services. See how a workers’ compensation lawyer serving Carencro can help you today.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
