You could qualify for workers’ compensation if you have been injured at work or contracted a work-related illness. If your claim is denied, a New Iberia, LA, workers’ compensation lawyer can fight for the benefits you qualify for.
Our team can help you fight for the compensation you and your family need. We’ve represented thousands of injured workers and recovered the benefits they need to return to their lives. As our client, we treat you like family, and no one fights harder for you than your family. Contact a New Iberia personal injury lawyer from Laborde Earles for a free consultation today.
What Can Qualify You for Workers’ Compensation in New Iberia?
You can qualify for workers’ compensation in a few different ways. Many people think they can only file for benefits after some kind of accident and serious injury, but this is not true. Any of the following can qualify you to file a claim:
A Serious Injury From an Accident
There are plenty of things that can go wrong in a workplace. Slip and fall accidents, falls from high heights, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to dangerous materials can all cause serious injuries. Regardless of the circumstances under which you are hurt, seek legal help, as you could qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
If your job involves cycling as a primary duty (such as a bike courier or delivery person) and you suffer an injury during your work, you may be eligible for benefits. The key factor is establishing a direct connection between your job responsibilities and the bicycle-related injury. Our New Iberia bicycle accident lawyers will determine the validity of your claim.
Whether you are dealing with broken bones, spinal cord injury, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you are entitled to workers’ compensation if it occurred in the workplace. A New Iberia workers’ compensation attorney can help determine if you qualify.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries can seem like minor medical issues, but living with such injuries can be a draining experience. Repeated movements cause these injuries and can worsen over time without treatment.
This repetition eventually ends up causing pain to the tendons, nerves, or muscles. Repetitive stress injuries can leave victims with pain, numbness, and joint stiffness.
Illness
Sometimes, work conditions can cause an employee to develop a serious illness. Common illnesses you could get benefits for include:
- Cancer
- Respiratory illnesses
- Asthma
- Dermatitis
There are several more occupational illnesses you could recover benefits for. You can get a free case evaluation to find out if your illness is eligible.
Loss of a Sense
Some accidents can cause you to lose your hearing or sight. This can affect your ability to return to your current job or work at all.
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.
ClientThere Is a Time Limit for Filing Your Claim
You need to act quickly when you are injured at work or have developed an illness due to your working conditions. You have 30 days to report your injury, or you could lose your chance to receive compensation, per Lousiana compensation law RS §23:1301.
If you lost a family member in a fatal work accident, you could qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, but different deadlines may apply. After reviewing your claim, our New Iberia wrongful death lawyers can determine exactly how much time you have to take action.
Our workers’ compensation attorney in New Iberia, LA, can help you understand this deadline to make sure you don’t miss out on the benefits you deserve.
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 | ClientThe Process for Filing a Claim in New Iberia
The process for filing a work injury claim can be straightforward if your claim is accepted. After you suffer a work-related illness or injury, you report your injury to your employer. Your employer will report your injury to their insurer.
From there, the claim goes to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA), the state agency that handles such claims. If successful, you will receive benefits that help you pay the bills while you cannot work. If your claim is denied, our workers’ compensation lawyer in New Iberia, LA, can help you appeal this decision.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWhat Your Work Accident Comp Can Help Cover
Your benefits, how much you receive, and how long you receive them depend largely on the nature of your injury and when you can return to work. These benefits can help you cover the cost of the following:
Hospital and Medical Bills
Your injury could result in a hospital stay and many other medical bills for any necessary medical care. Whether you go to doctor’s appointments, pick up prescription medications, or enroll in therapy, your workers’ compensation can help with those bills.
The Cost of Future Care
Your injuries could affect you for months, years, or even your entire life. If you need future care, your benefits could also help you cover those bills.
Lost Income
The primary purpose of the workers’ compensation system is to help your family stay financially afloat while you cannot work. Your benefits can help you make up for the income you miss while you recover from your injuries.
Loss of Future Earning Potential
If your injury leaves you partially or completely disabled, that will affect your ability to work in the future. That could mean lower paychecks, the inability to work in the same field, or even the complete inability to work.
Work comp benefits can help you account for this loss and provide the support you and your family need.
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.
ClientWhen to Hire a New Iberia Workers Compensation Lawyer for Your Case
In some cases, your claim may be denied. Your workplace may accuse you of causing the accident while you were on drugs or under the influence of alcohol. They may try to say that the incident that caused the injury or illness did not occur at the workplace.
They could even blame one of your preexisting health conditions for your current issue. Whatever the reasons are for declining your request, you have the chance to fight back. You can file an appeal with OWCA and fight for your deserved compensation.
To do this, you can seek assistance from one of our workers’ compensation lawyers in New Iberia, LA. We can help you defend your claim and prove your case.
Our New Iberia Workers Compensation Lawyer Can Help Determine the Cause of Your Injury
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you can still receive reimbursement even if the injury was your fault. Some causes of workplace injuries include:
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Radiation exposure
- Electric shock
If any other incident caused your workplace injury, a workers’ compensation attorney from our firm in New Iberia, LA, could use this information when building your case.
How Your Lawyer Could Help With Your Work Injury Case
Appealing a claim on your own can be tough, but your lawyer can do many things to make the process easier. Your attorney will:
- Answer any questions you have.
- Help you understand the state workers’ compensation system.
- Gather the evidence needed to make your appeal.
- Represent you in a hearing in front of an OWCA judge.
- Defend you from accusations from your employer.
- Handle all communications for you.
You should not have to fight alone for the reimbursement you deserve. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Iberia Parish can help you.
Affording an Attorney From Our Firm Is Easy
If you are worried about the cost of an attorney, we understand. You and your family are likely dealing with enough financial stress right now.
That is why we work these cases on contingency. We only get paid once your claim is accepted and a settlement is made. There is no upfront cost.
Contact Our New Iberia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, Laborde Earles can help. Our workers’ compensation lawyer in Iberia Parish can help you defend your claim and receive a fair settlement. There is no obligation when you call for a consultation, and we’ll be glad to tell you more about what our workers’ compensation attorney in New Iberia, LA, can do for you.
Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
