When a debilitating work-related injury prevents you from earning a living, you may be anxious and concerned about your future. However, you may be surprised to learn that you can access benefits that could help you cover your costs and begin to rebuild your life.
Find out more about how to pursue your case and how a Metairie workers’ compensation lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can help. Our legal team can handle the workers’ compensation claims process while you rest and recover.
What Injuries and Incidents Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation benefits can give you and your family some peace of mind while coping with a work-related injury. However, simply suffering an on-the-job injury is not enough to warrant a workers’ compensation claim.
There are strict eligibility requirements you will need to meet if you hope to get your claim approved. Workplace accidents that may warrant a workers’ compensation claim can include:
- Tractor-trailer collisions
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Equipment malfunctions
- Accidents causing traumatic brain injuries
- Electrocutions
- Fires and explosions
- Trench and ground collapses
- Building collapses
- Repetitive stretch injuries
- Construction accidents
- Overexertion
- Factory accidents
- Bulldozer accidents
- Crane accidents
- Forklift accidents
These are only a few of the ways in which you might have suffered a work-related injury. If you were involved in another type of accident, you might still have grounds for a claim.
However, the insurance company may fight back and deny your claim. Our Metairie workers’ compensation team can handle your claim or appeal a denial of benefits.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer serving Metairie, call (337) 777-7777
Are You Eligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Metairie?
Workers’ compensation laws can be complex. Your employer is required to protect you with coverage from the first day you begin working. This is true whether you are considered a temporary employee, a seasonal employee, a full-time employee, or a part-time employee.
As long as your injuries occurred within the scope of your employment and they meet the requirements of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA), you should be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, the insurance company may argue that the injuries did not occur within the scope of your employment. Your attorney will be ready to support your claim with evidence.
Metairie Workers' Compensation Lawyer Near Me (337) 777-7777
Metairie Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There are a variety of workers’ compensation benefits you may be able to collect. Some of the benefits that may be available to you based on the circumstances of your case include:
- Disability benefits – Disability benefits are designed to provide you with a portion of your lost income. The amount of time you can collect benefits and the amount of compensation you will be awarded will be based upon the status of your injury, the type of injury, how much you were making prior to your injury, and the amount of work you are able to do despite your injury.
- Medical benefits – Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider will be expected to cover all of your expenses as they relate to your on-the-job injury. This includes ambulance fees, hospital bills, prescription medications, accommodations to your home, medical equipment, and future medical care.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits – Vocational rehabilitation benefits are available to those who suffered injuries so debilitated they are no longer able to continue in their current line of work. By going back to school or obtaining on-the-job training, you may be able to find employment in another industry. The insurance company will be expected to cover these costs as needed.
- Catastrophic injury benefits – When an employee is diagnosed with a catastrophic injury, they may be entitled to a one-time, lump-sum payout of $50,000. Catastrophic injuries include the loss of multiple extremities or burns over 40% of the body.
- Death benefits – The surviving family members of those who passed away due to other job injuries could collect death benefits that amount to a portion of the decedent’s average weekly salary. The insurance company will also cover the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses up to $8,500 under Louisiana law.
Click to contact our Metairie Personal Injury Lawyers today
How to Appeal a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim in Metairie
Appealing a denied workers’ compensation claim can be time-consuming, especially when coping with injuries. When you are working with an attorney, they can handle the insurance company on your behalf. We may be able to avoid a formal appeal by providing the insurer with additional medical records, documentation of your injuries, witness statements, or other evidence.
However, should it become necessary, we will be ready to file a Dispute Claim for Compensation Form 1008 with the OWCA to start your appeal. Before your case goes before an administrative law judge in a hearing, we may be able to work out the terms of your workers’ compensation claim in mediation with the insurance company and your employer.
However, if mediation proves unsuccessful, your attorney may suggest moving forward with your workers’ compensation appeal hearing.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Help From a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Metairie Today
Workers’ compensation benefits could be a valuable asset as you attempt to recuperate from your on-the-job injuries. If your claim for benefits has been denied and you are unsure how to move forward with an appeal, a Metairie workers’ compensation lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can your legal options.
Call us for your no-cost, risk-free consultation as soon as possible. While you focus on your health, we can handle your claim or appeal. We can also help you hold a third party, such as a manufacturer or subcontractor, liable for your injuries in a personal injury lawsuit.
Call or text (337) 777-7777 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
