No one ever expects to suffer an injury at work. Even those who work in some of the most dangerous industries are unprepared for the fallout of a debilitating work accident. Fortunately, you may have the right to workers’ compensation benefits, which could help get you through these difficult times.
Find out how to access the benefits you deserve when you work with a Jefferson Parish workers’ compensation lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers. We can handle your claim or appeal a denial of benefits.
Grounds for a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Jefferson Parish
Some work injury victims fail to file workers’ compensation claims simply because they do not know their rights or whether they have grounds for a claim. However, for you to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Jefferson Parish, there are specific criteria that you need to meet, including:
- You must be a company employee (seasonal, temporary, part-time, or full-time).
- Your injuries must have occurred while you were on the job.
It does not matter how long you have been employed with the company. Employers in Louisiana are usually required to provide their employees with workers’ compensation coverage from the first day they are hired.
Companies that fail to protect their employees with workers’ compensation coverage leave themselves open to liability when an employee suffers an on-the-job injury. If you meet the eligibility requirements, our Jefferson Parish workers’ compensation lawyer can help you pursue the workers’ compensation benefits that are rightfully yours.
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.
ClientInjuries and Accidents in Jefferson Parish Workers’ Compensation Cases
It may not always be clear whether you can move forward with a workers’ compensation claim. Different types of accidents and injuries may warrant a claim, such as:
- Falls, slips, and trips
- Being struck by falling objects
- Scaffold accidents
- Ladder accidents
- Accidents caused by heavy machinery
- Accents caused by defective equipment
- Bulldozer accidents
- Crane accidents
- Forklift accidents
- Factory accidents
- Construction accidents
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Commercial truck accidents
- Overexertion
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Accidents involving electric shock
- Accidents resulting in traumatic brain damage
- Accidents causing amputations
- Explosions and fires
- Trench and ground collapses
These are only a few types of accidents that lead to workers’ compensation claims. If you experienced another type of work-related accident, we can discuss your legal options for financial recovery.
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 | ClientHow do Workers’ Compensation Claims Work?
Your employer should have purchased workers’ compensation coverage that extends to you. After you have been injured in an accident, you will file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider to recover the benefits and compensation you are entitled to.
The insurance company may deny your claim. Our Jefferson Parish workers’ compensation attorneys will be by your side, making sure your application is complete, accurate, and contains all of the necessary information and documentation.
If the insurance company denies your claim, we can determine whether additional evidence can be provided to the insurance company or if an appeal needs to be filed with the appropriate agency.
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 Claim for Workers’ Compensation Benefits Is Approved?
The types and amounts of benefits you can collect can vary wildly based on your average weekly earnings, the status of your injury, and other factors.
Some types of workers’ compensation benefits you may collect include:
- Disability Benefits
- Mileage reimbursement
- Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB)
- Catastrophic injury benefits
- Death benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical benefits
Generally, you can continue collecting workers’ compensation benefits until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) or are capable of returning to work on a part-time or full-time basis. However, the amount of time you can collect workers’ compensation benefits depends on the type of injury you were diagnosed with, the status of the injury, and your prognosis.
There may be a maximum number of weeks allowable depending on the circumstances of your case. Your attorney can give you a better idea of how long you can expect to continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits after having reviewed the details of your case.
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 to Cope With a Denial of Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation claim denials are far more common than you might think. Some reasons insurers may deny benefits include:
- Having a pre-existing condition
- Self-inflicting injuries
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident
- Working off the clock
- Failure to provide necessary medical documentation
- Making mistakes on your worker’s compensation application
Do not give up if you received a denial of benefits. There are a couple of options you can pursue when this happens. Our Jefferson Parish workers’ compensation attorney will be by your side through every step of the appeals process. We may be able to provide additional information and medical documentation to support your original claim.
However, your attorney will be prepared to file an appeal with the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) if necessary.
Work With a Jefferson Parish Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you have additional questions about the workers’ compensation claims process, a Jefferson Parish workers’ compensation lawyer at Laborda Earl Injury Lawyers can help. Our legal team can also help hold a third party accountable through a personal injury lawsuit.
You deserve to rest and focus on your health right now. We can handle all the paperwork associated with your claim or appeal. Call to get your no-cost, risk-free consultation when you are ready to get started on your case. You can reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form at your earliest convenience.
