Everyone depends on their job. There is a great deal to worry about when you get injured on the job. Injuries are why most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. It is there to protect you if you are hurt while working.
If you live in Louisiana, you could consult a Harvey workers’ compensation lawyer. Your personal injury representative can fight for the treatment you are entitled to through this insurance coverage program.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Louisiana?
Workers’ compensation benefits protect both the employee and the employer. It keeps companies open and covers the employee’s medical expenses, some of their wages, and vocational rehab if needed.
Weekly Lost Wages Benefits Are Capped
Workers’ compensation benefits are the same state-wide in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, you can collect up to 2/3 of your weekly wages, though this is capped at $743.00 across the state.
Death Benefits Are Available for Your Family
If your loved one suffered a fatal work injury, you are entitled to death benefits through workers’ compensation payable to your family.
Medical Bills Paid
Under state law, workers’ compensation covers your medical bills, travel expenses for care, and ongoing disability benefits if needed. You are the worker who is injured; you have a right to choose your treating physician. Your employer may request that you see a doctor approved under their workers’ compensation insurance plan. Your own doctor can treat you, but you must see an approved doctor for a second opinion.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injury means that you can no longer do the job you had before, workers’ compensation will pay for vocational rehabilitation. This benefit means you can be trained for a new position, job, or career.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer serving Harvey, call (337) 777-7777
Not All Jobs in Louisiana Fall Under Workers’ Compensation
Everyone in Louisiana is covered, though there are some exceptions. Specific jobs do not fall under workers’ compensation, like federal employees covered under FELA, those covered by Longshoremen’s, Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, or the Jones Act.
Some private farms, real estate brokers, sales associates, or those who contract work from private residents in Harvey might not have coverage. When there are questions about your coverage, you could speak with your workers’ compensation attorney.
Harvey Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Under Louisiana Workers’ Compensation, Which Injuries Are Covered?
Under the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Law, insurance covers any injury while you are employed on the job. Some work injuries happen quickly, all at once. For example, a meat cutter could accidentally cut your finger. Others can occur over time, like someone who does data entry could suffer from carpal tunnel, a repetitive stress injury.
Regardless of whether your injury was sudden or came on over time, your injury should still be treated seriously, and you are entitled to medical care. Here is a listing of some typical injuries seen in workers’ compensation claims.
- Hearing loss
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Muscular sprains
- Back injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Herniated disks
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Mesothelioma
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Knee and hip injuries
- Amputations
- Crushed limbs
No matter how you were injured, your employer should give you the respect and space to heal. Employees who are rushed back to work too soon can find that they cause permanent injuries.
You do Not Have to Return to Work Before You Are Recovered
If you feel that you are not 100% recovered, you have a right to speak up. This right is one area where your attorney can assist. For example, your physician may recommend that you continue therapy for several more months before returning to work.
On the other hand, the employer’s doctors may say that you should return now. If your employer tries to force you back to work too soon, you might want someone to help you navigate an appeal.
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You Could Sue a Third Party for Your Work Injury in Harvey, Louisiana
You might need to file a suit against a third party or multiple third parties because of your injury. There will be an investigation. It is done to determine what caused you to get hurt. There could be many reasons a person could get hurt at work. Let’s look at one scenario.
An Example of How a Worker Could Sue a Third Party for Damages
A forklift operator is seriously injured when his forklift tips over, crushing his arm and causing him to have it amputated. This severe injury involves many damages; workers’ compensation cannot cover it. You will have to remember that this worker will only be reimbursed up to 2/3 of his lost wages. An investigation reveals that the forklift malfunctioned, causing the accident due to poorly manufactured and defective parts.
The forklift manufacturer and other possible part manufacturers could be liable for these injuries. To see that his family is fully compensated for his injuries and limb loss, suits are filed against the forklift manufacturer and the defective part manufacturer.
Having an attorney to sort through the investigative work, claims, and regulations involved can aid you in securing fair damages.
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Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers About Your Workers’ Compensation Case
If you live in Harvey and want to make the most out of your workers’ compensation claim, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. As a victim of an accident, our attorneys understand that you may be able to prove your injury, but collecting damages isn’t always easy.
We can help you discover benefits you may not have even known you were eligible for. We work with injury victims every day. Our goal is to make sure you are protected so you can heal and get back on the job tomorrow.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
