Accidents can happen in any workplace. If you are injured in an accident at work, Louisiana law entitles you to file a workers’ compensation claim. Your work-related injury or illness makes you eligible for compensation for medical treatment and lost income while recovering. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Carencro, LA, will help with financial recovery.
If you struggle to navigate the workers’ compensation process alone or your claim gets denied, a Carencro personal injury lawyer at Laborde Earles may assist you. We can appeal on your behalf or file a personal injury claim against a liable third party. Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Common Types of Workplace Accidents in Carencro
The workplace can be dangerous, even if you do not think your job or industry is particularly hazardous. However, you could be eligible for benefits if you were hurt on the job.
Workplace injuries commonly occur due to:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Construction accidents
- Falls from scaffolding or 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.
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What Type of Job Injury Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation
You may think only serious, sudden injuries qualify you for Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits, but this is untrue. As experienced personal injury lawyers, we have represented a wide range of work accident cases.
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 directly linked to your workplace.
- Severe injuries: Common workplace injuries include burns, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. You should seek medical treatment right away following the accident. 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 altogether, or force you to take a lower-paying job.
- Repetitive stress injuries: Sometimes, the motions you perform daily at your job can wear on certain joints and tendons. 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 (PTSD) can, in certain cases, be covered under workers’ compensation in Louisiana.
At our personal injury law firm, we understand that many clients are recovering from serious injuries. Trust us to handle all legal aspects of your case while you focus on your recovery.
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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 must notify the Office of Workers’ Compensation within ten days of receiving your notice.
Furthermore, you generally have one year to file a workers’ compensation claim in Louisiana. If you miss the deadline, your case will likely be dismissed. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to make sure that you meet all the deadlines for your case.
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 workers’ comp benefits typically 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 Workers’ Compensation Claim
Unfortunately, in some cases, a claim can be denied. The workers’ compensation system is no-fault, 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 you for the workplace accident. 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 could settle through mediation or have to attend a hearing and make your case before a judge.
A workers’ compensation lawyer serving Carencro from our law firm can file your appeal, attend any hearings on your behalf, and file your case in civil court against a third negligent party if necessary.
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How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Will Assist You
A Carencro personal injury attorney can assist with every aspect of your case. We will help you understand your rights and how the laws impact your claim. Our team will also update you on any new developments in your case.
Your lawyer offers a wide range of legal services, including:
- Gathering the evidence needed to make your case
- Defending you against any accusations of wrongdoing from your employer
- Representing your interests before the insurance company
- Preparing you for your hearing in front of a judge and presenting your case
- Handling communications with the insurance company and keeping you updated on your case
- Building a strong personal injury claim against a third-liable party
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit within the Louisiana statute of limitations
- Answering all of your questions about your case
A lawyer from our firm serving Carencro is ready to act as a powerful advocate for you and your family. We will use all available evidence to prove the extent of your losses and recover maximum benefits.
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Affording a Carencro Workers’ Compensation Attorney
When you hire one of our attorneys to help 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 Today for a Free Legal Consultation
If you need help navigating the workers’ compensation system or filing your appeal, contact Laborde Earles today. We offer free consultations and would happily tell you more about our legal services. See how a workers’ compensation attorney serving Carencro can help you today.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
24 hours a day • 7 days a week
