Your on-the-job injury could keep you out of work for the foreseeable future. When this happens, you need to prepare for what’s to come. Thankfully, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if you suffer a work-related injury.
However, getting the insurance company to approve your claim for benefits may be far more challenging than you previously thought. A Catahoula workers’ compensation lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can advocate for your rights. Our personal injury team will tell you more about how to get your workers’ compensation claim denial overturned.
Are You Protected By Workers’ Compensation in Louisiana?
You may not be sure whether you are covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage. The Louisiana Workforce Commission states that employers must provide their employees with workers’ compensation coverage as long as they are classified as employees. This includes part-time, seasonal, and full-time employees.
It should not matter how long you have been working with a company either. Many work injury victims believe that they do not qualify for benefits if they have only been with the company for a short period. However, this is not the case. Your employer must protect you from the first day of your hiring.
If You Are Self-Employed You Must Have Your Own Insurance
If you are an independent contractor, you may not be protected by your client’s workers’ compensation insurance protection coverage. Instead, you may need to purchase your own workers’ compensation protection coverage if you want to protect yourself in the event of a work-related injury.
Confirm with your attorney when you are still unsure whether you are protected by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Suppose your employer did not carry workers’ compensation protection coverage as required by law. In that case, you could have the opportunity to file a lawsuit against them (depending on the details of your case).
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Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Louisiana?
To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you need to prove that your injuries occurred within the scope of your job responsibilities. This can occur in virtually endless ways. For example, if you work in an office job and suffer from severe carpal tunnel syndrome, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
However, if you were on your way home from work and were struck by a vehicle, you would not be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. You can also be disqualified for workers’ compensation benefits in several instances, such as:
- Having self-inflicted injuries
- Committing a crime
- Violating your company’s code of conduct
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of your injury
- Working off the clock
- Failure to provide necessary medical documentation
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for Catahoula worker’s compensation benefits, discuss the specific details of your case further with your lawyer.
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What Types of Work Accidents Can You Sue for in Louisiana?
Work-related accidents can occur in endless ways. However, there are some work accidents you can sue for more frequently than others. Some of the more common types of work-related accidents our firm has represented include:
- Forklift accidents
- Scaffold accidents
- Crane accidents
- Bulldozer accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Equipment malfunctions
- Falls from elevated heights
- Being hit by falling objects
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Exposure to toxic or harmful substances
These are just a few of the more common types of work-related incidents we see in the Catahoula civil court system. If you suffered another type of on-the-job injury, be sure to contact our office and discuss your options for financial recovery.
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What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can You Collect?
There are several types of workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to once your claim has been approved. Although they may not cover your damages in full, workers’ compensation benefits could go a long way in helping you get through this difficult time in your life.
Some of the different types of workers’ compensation benefits you could collect include:
- Disability benefits
- Medical benefits
- Mileage reimbursement
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Catastrophic injury benefits
- Death benefits
- Funeral and burial expenses
You can learn more about the following when you discuss your workers’ compensation claim with your attorney:
- Which of these benefits applies to your case
- How long you can expect to collect benefits for
- How much your benefits will amount to
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What Happens if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Has Been Denied?
Worker’s compensation claim denials are far more common than you might have thought. Remember, if the insurance company approves your claim, they will be required to compensate you for many different workers’ compensation benefits. This will cost them money.
For this reason, they have entire teams scrutinizing your application, looking for opportunities to reduce your benefits or deny you your right to workers’ compensation. With that being said, in many cases, by providing the insurance company with additional supporting medical records or correcting errors on your initial application, you may be able to get your initial denial overturned.
However, suppose the insurance company is unwilling to help you access the benefits that you need. In that case, your attorney could move forward with an appeal to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration.
Reach Out to a Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Serving Catahoula Today
If your claim for workers’ compensation benefits was denied you may want your Catahoula lawyer to help you get your claim denial reversed.
Our team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is here to advocate for your right to the benefits and compensation you deserve. Obtain your no-cost, risk-free consultation today when you call our office or fill out our online contact form. We can explain the workers’ compensation process to you.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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