When you get injured in the workplace or while performing your job, you should get compensation. It seems easy enough, but sometimes navigating the workers’ compensation system can be more difficult than anticipated. Sometimes your claim can even be denied.
In situations like this, a Meaux workers’ compensation lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers could assist you. A workplace injury or illness can result in missed paychecks and plenty of expensive medical bills, so get ready to fight for the compensation you need.
Common Types of Workplace Injuries That Could Qualify You for Damages
There are many types of injuries that could qualify you for workers’ compensation. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Chemical exposure
- Electrocution
- Strains and sprains
If you develop a sickness due to your work and workplace, that could qualify you for workers’ compensation as well. Your personal injury attorney can help you determine what losses qualify you for damages.
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Workers’ Compensation Could Cover Workplace Injury-Related Expenses
Any injury can result in significant expenses, but a serious workplace injury can leave you with mounting medical bills and plenty of other costs that can be difficult to pay on your own. That is why the workers’ compensation system exists. It is supposed to help you and your family pay the bills while you recover and figure out if you can return to work in the same capacity.
Your workers’ compensation should help you cover costs like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Loss of future job opportunities
- The cost of future and in-home care, if needed
- Vocational rehabilitation
Your compensation cannot completely make up for the pain you have experienced, but it can help you and your family stay on your feet and avoid some financial stress.
Vocational Rehabilitation
You may have noticed the term “vocational rehabilitation” above. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, you should know that this is a service that workers’ compensation can cover if your injury will prevent you from working in the same capacity as before.
Vocational rehabilitation is meant to help a worker find a new job they can perform, even if their injury has left them with lasting effects. This service can even help with job placement.
Sometimes a new job will not pay as much as the worker’s previous position or industry did. This is why compensation needs to be fair and consider factors like the loss of future earning potential.
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The Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
Report your injury as soon as possible. There is a time limit on workers’ compensation claims in Louisiana. If you wait more than 30 days, you are just out of luck.
First, report your injury or illness to your employer. Then, they will report the issue to their insurer, and the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) will be able to review your claim.
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Types of Benefits Workers’ Compensation Could Pay Out to You
Generally, the type of lost wage benefits paid out can be divided into four categories. The biggest factors in determining what kind of the following benefits you will receive include:
- What kind of injury you sustained
- How it currently affects your ability to work
- How it will affect your ability to work in the future
Temporary Total Disability
These are lost wage benefits for people who currently cannot work at all but will be able to in the future. These benefits are equal to two-thirds of your normal paycheck.
Supplemental Earnings Benefit
These are for workers who can return to work but not in the same capacity. If they cannot earn at least 90 percent of their normal pay, these supplementary benefits provide two-thirds of whatever their weekly pay was before the accident.
Permanent Partial Disability
These are paid out as a lump sum to a worker who was injured and disabled but will be able to return to work in some capacity. Payouts can vary based on the nature and severity of the injury and the disability.
Permanent Total Disability
These are benefits paid out to an employee who will never be able to return to work due to their injury and the disability that resulted from it.
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When Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Denied By Insurers
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims can sometimes be denied. You can still be awarded workers’ compensation when an injury occurs due to your own negligence or actions. However, there are still other ways for an employer to try and argue against your claim. You might hear lines of attack like:
- You were intoxicated or under the influence at the time the injury occurred.
- You lied about the injury in some way.
- Your preexisting condition led to your injury.
- The accident did not actually occur at your workplace.
If your claim is denied, you have the chance to fight back and get the benefits that you are entitled to. This is when you may want to enlist the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer in Meaux. Your attorney can do many things to help workers with cases like these.
What a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Do for Your Meaux Work Injury Case
Your lawyer can help you with all aspects of your workers’ compensation case. They will:
- Help you navigate the state workers’ compensation system
- Determine fair compensation
- Gather evidence to show that this was a workplace illness or injury
- Defend you against any accusations of wrongdoing
- Handle all communications for you
- Negotiate for a fair workers’ compensation settlement
Workers’ compensation benefits can make a major difference while you are trying to recover and figure out your next steps. Your attorney is ready to help you make your claim and get the benefits you deserve.
Learn More About Your Workers’ Compensation Options
If you have been injured on the job and have been denied your workers’ compensation benefits, do not delay. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers and get your free legal consultation today. There is no charge or obligation, just the chance to learn more about the value of your case and what a workers’ compensation attorney can do to assist you.
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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