A workplace injury can result in hefty medical bills and missed paychecks. The workers’ compensation system is designed to help injured workers get back on their feet financially until they can return to work, but a denied claim can make getting the benefits you need seem impossible.
A Coteau Holmes workers’ compensation lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can assist you in the appeals process or help you file a personal injury lawsuit against a liable third party. We know how to navigate the state’s workers’ compensation system and want to put our knowledge and experience to work for you.
Common Types of Injuries in Workers’ Compensation Cases
Workplace accidents can cause various injuries, from severe to chronic conditions. Common causes of workers’ compensation claims include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burns
- Full or partial loss of a sense, such as vision or hearing
- Muscular and ligament injuries
These are not the only injuries that allow you to claim workers’ compensation benefits. You might develop a repetitive stress injury from repeating the same motions day in and day out at work. You could develop an illness due to exposure to toxic or chemical substances. You may even develop acute mental trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of your workplace accident and subsequent injury.
You should take any of these injuries and ailments seriously. If you experience anything such as those mentioned above, you should immediately notify your employer and file a claim for workers’ compensation.
The Meaning of No-Fault
The workers’ compensation system is no-fault, meaning that blame is typically not a factor in whether or not a workers’ compensation claim can be denied. Whether an accident occurred due to an employer’s negligence or an employee’s inexperienced actions, the injured worker can still report their injuries and seek workers’ compensation benefits.
Laborde Earles injury was great for me they took care of me very fast and professional. If for any reason I need legal help they will be who I use.
ClientReporting Your Injuries in Coteau Holmes, LA
If you are injured at work, reporting it as quickly as possible needs to be a top priority. You should tell your employer right away, or as soon as you possibly can. If you do not report your injury within 30 days, you could forfeit your chance to receive workers’ compensation.
Once you report your injury or illness to your employer, they need to contact their workers’ compensation insurer within ten days. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) will also review your claim. If your application is approved, you will begin receiving benefits.
I thank God for Digger & David. I don’t know what we would have done if it hadn’t have been for them.
Rick Smith | ClientWhat Workers’ Compensation Can Cover
Your workers’ compensation can help cover your medical bills and help you make up for a percentage of your lost wages. Your benefits can typically help with:
Medical bills: Your work-related injury could result in a hospital stay and a need for prescription medications. There could be follow-up visits to doctors and physical therapy. You might have other future care needs, such as in-home assistance or long-term care. Your workers’ compensation benefits can help pay these bills allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Lost wages and earning potential: You may need a lot of recovery time after your workplace accident, which means missed paychecks. You might also end up with a total or partial disability even after seeking out treatment for your injury or illness. This can affect your ability to work in the future, so this loss of earning potential needs to be factored in when fair compensation is calculated.
Vocational rehabilitation: If the accident or illness left you with a disability, your employer may also have to pay for vocational rehabilitation. If you can no longer work at the same job, this training can help you learn the skills you need to succeed in a new position. Some of these programs even offer job placement.
Wrongful death: If your loved one has passed away due to a workplace illness or injury, your family member’s workers’ compensation benefits could also help cover expenses such as funeral and burial costs.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Happens If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied
If your claim is denied, do not despair. You have the opportunity to file an appeal. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) has the forms to begin the appeals process. If your employer refuses to settle, you may have to attend a hearing in front of a workers’ compensation judge and present your case.
Navigating the workers’ compensation process on your own can be frustrating and time-consuming. A workers’ compensation attorney from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can handle your appeal in Coteau Holmes and fight for your compensation in front of a judge. A lawyer can take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on your family during this trying time.
They treated us like no other people would. Whenever we needed something they were there for us. I put my trust in them and I don’t regret it.
ClientHow Your Lawyer Serving Coteau Holmes Can Help
Your attorney can help you with every aspect of your workers’ compensation case. Your lawyer can:
- Negotiate a settlement
- Represent your interests at a hearing in front of a workers’ compensation judge
- Handle all communications for you
- Hold all liable parties accountable
- Defend you from accusations of negligence from your employer
- Calculate fair compensation
Above all, your attorney will advocate for you and your family’s best interests at every stage of the appeals process.
Affording an Attorney
If you are worried about the cost of an attorney, we understand. You are currently dealing with financial stress, and the thought of paying attorney’s fees may seem daunting.
Our lawyers do not charge any upfront fees or out-of-pocket costs. Our firm works on contingency. That means you do not pay us until we obtain a settlement or court award on your behalf.
Learn More About Your Legal Options in Coteau Holmes, LA
If you are filing for workers’ compensation, there is no time to waste. Contact the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to get your free consultation today. We would be happy to discuss the details of your case and how our workers’ compensation attorney serving Coteau Holmes could help you.
