When a workplace accident leads to an injury, you may need to take time off work to recuperate. This can compound the financial strain you experience, though. The medical bills alone can leave you wondering how you’re going to stay afloat. Fortunately, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Louisiana law.
However, accessing these benefits could prove more challenging than you thought. A Scott workers’ compensation lawyer at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can explore your legal options. We offer free consultations so you can learn more about the workers’ compensation claims process.
How Workers’ Compensation Works in Scott
Few people understand how the workers’ compensation claims process works or when they qualify for benefits. Louisiana law requires all companies to provide their employees with worker’s compensation coverage.
When you suffer a work-related injury, instead of being burdened by considerable medical expenses and financial debts due to a lack of income, you could be awarded workers’ compensation benefits that can help you cope.
Although workers’ compensation benefits may not be enough to cover your damages, they may provide your family with the lifeline it needs to stay afloat until you can get back to work and start earning a living again.
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.
ClientWhen to Seek Workers’ Compensation Benefits
You may not be sure whether you have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim. However, various types of accident-related injuries may warrant workers’ compensation benefits.
Some of these include:
- Commercial truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Electrocutions
- Fires and explosions
- Building, trench, and ground collapses
- Exposure to harmful or toxic substances
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Machinery accidents
- Equipment malfunctions
- Overexertion
- Construction accidents
- Factory accidents
- Bulldozer accidents
- Crane accidents
Your injuries must have occurred within the scope of your employment. It does not matter whether you are a full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal employee.
It does not matter how long you have been employed with the company. If you can show your injuries were caused by your work environment, you may have the right to workers’ compensation benefits. Our Scott workers’ compensation attorneys can help with your claim.
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 | ClientWhat to Expect After Filing Your Scott Workers’ Compensation Claim
After you file your Scott workers’ compensation claim, you may be unsure of what to expect next. In a perfect world, the insurance company would review your application, examine the supporting evidence, and approve your application for benefits.
However, insurance companies may look for reasons to deny your application or delay the processing of your claim.
Your attorney will be ready to handle any of these tactics. In some cases, you may be able to provide the insurance company with additional medical records, financial statements, and other supporting documentation or evidence. However, should it become necessary, your attorney will be prepared to file a hearing request.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientWorkers’ Compensation Benefits That May Apply
You may be anxious to know what types of workers’ compensation benefits you may be able to collect if your claim is approved. There are several different types of benefits that may be available, including:
- Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD) – If you are unable to work at all while recovering from your injury, you may receive approximately 2/3 of your average weekly salary until you can return to work or your physician determines you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). The Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) sets a maximum amount of benefits you can receive, though.
- Permanent Total Disability Benefits (PTD) – If your injuries prevent you from returning to work at all, you may receive benefits at your TTD rate for as long as the disability continues.
- Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD) – If you suffered permanent injuries that allow you to do some work, you may receive two-thirds of your pre-injury wages for a certain period of time.
- Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB) – These benefits apply to injured workers who can keep working while they recover but cannot earn at least 90% of their pre-injury wages. For up to 520 weeks, they can receive two-thirds of the difference between their pre-injury income and what they can earn now, as long as they do not exceed the OWCA’s maximum.
- Catastrophic injury benefits – workers who suffer qualifying catastrophic injuries can receive a one-time payment of $50,000.
- Death benefits – Legal dependents and spouses of a worker who passes away two years after their last treatment can collect a percentage of their pre-injury wages. If the deceased had no legal dependents, their parents can receive a one-time payment of $75,000. Burial benefits also apply, up to a maximum of $8,500.
- Medical Benefits – These benefits cover all approved medical treatments.
Other benefits, such as mileage reimbursement for traveling to the doctor, may also apply in 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.
ClientWhat If Your Employer does Not Carry Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Employers may fail to provide their employees with workers’ compensation protection coverage. When this happens, it can leave injury victims feeling scared, confused, and worried about their future. Fortunately, there may be legal options available to them.
You might be able to file a civil lawsuit against your employer or other liable parties to recoup your damages in full. Filing a civil claim opens up the opportunity for you to pursue your economic damages and non-economic damages so you can be made whole and begin to rebuild your life.
Your attorney can give you a better idea of whether you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Get Help from a Scott Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you are feeling intimidated by the workers’ compensation claims process, you can rest easier when you have the legal guidance and support of a Scott workers’ compensation lawyer. Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to start working on your workers’ compensation application or appeal today.
Our firm is proud to offer no-cost, risk-free consultations to work injury victims across Scott and nearby cities. Take advantage of this opportunity by calling our office or filling out our online contact form.
