We can also explore whether you can pursue damages to recover financial losses through a third-party claim or lawsuit. The Slidell personal injury lawyers at Laborde Earles will listen to your story and help you navigate your legal issues. Get your initial consultation for free today.
Most Employees Have Workers’ Compensation Coverage in Louisiana
The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) says that if you work in Louisiana, your employer likely has workers’ compensation coverage. This provides benefits if you get sick or injured on the job. There are, of course, limitations and exclusions. Also, the rules are strict and unforgiving. A simple mistake could make you ineligible for compensation benefits.
The Louisiana workers’ compensation program provides a safety net for employees who have accidents or develop occupational diseases because of their work. Conversely, the program shields your boss from personal injury lawsuits.
To an extent, the workers’ compensation program is a no-fault benefits plan in that your employer does not have to be negligent or admit fault for you to receive benefits.
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.
ClientWhat Situations in Slidell Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation generally covers these situations:
- You suffer an injury at work: For instance, if you work in construction and fall off a ladder, you can seek benefits for your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages.
- You contracted a job-related illness: Some workforces have hazards on the microscopic level. Suppose you worked in construction and had to remove ceilings riddled with asbestos. Afterward, you develop cancer because of the exposure. In that instance, you could seek workers’ compensation coverage while you receive treatment.
- You suffered a stress injury: Some jobs require you to perform the same tasks repeatedly. Over time, this could result in a stress-related workplace injury, causing pain and limiting movement. Workers’ compensation offers benefits for medical expenses caused by stress.
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 | ClientAccidents That Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Does Not Cover
The Louisiana workers’ compensation program does not cover every possible event that could happen from the moment you leave your home to the minute your shift ends. Here are a few examples of things the program usually does not cover:
- Workplace accidents that happen during a person’s commute to or from work
- Incidents that happen during a person’s lunch break, particularly if they leave the workplace during that time
- Injuries that occur when a worker is not acting within the scope of their employment
- Intentional injuries an employee inflicts on himself or others
- The aggressor involved in a physical altercation that was not provoked
- An injury that happens while an employee is intoxicated
Sometimes, circumstances will allow for accidents in these situations to have coverage under the law. If you have any doubts about coverage in your job-related injury or illness claim, consider connecting with our workers’ compensation lawyer serving Slidell.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientTypes of Louisiana Workers’ Comp Benefits
Our state’s workers’ compensation program offers a variety of possible benefits, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission of the Department of Labor. Here is a summary of the types of benefits for which an injured worker might be eligible:
- Medical bills: This includes the costs necessary to treat your injury or illness. Generally, you must seek medical care within the insurance provider’s approved network. Insurance companies may cover some expenses depending on your situation.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): This benefit sends weekly or monthly indemnity payments (in other words, cash benefits) to replace part of a worker’s usual earnings when they cannot work. You must be unable to work for more than seven calendar days before becoming eligible for TTD benefits.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If your injury permanently affects your working ability, you can seek disability payments.
- Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB): If you have ongoing impairment from your work-related accident or illness, you might not be able to make as much money as you did before. In this situation, you could receive cash benefits that can replace some of the difference in your earnings. You must have a reduction of at least 10 percent of your previous wages.
- Vocational rehabilitation: In situations involving ongoing functional limitations after completing medical treatment for a covered illness or injury, the accident victim might be unable to perform their previous job. Workers’ compensation might provide vocational rehabilitation so the employee could go into a different line of work.
- Catastrophic injuries: A worker who suffers a catastrophic injury as defined by the Louisiana workers’ compensation program could receive a one-time payment of $50,000.
- Death benefits: If an employee dies within two years of the final medical treatment for a work-related illness or injury, the program could pay up to $8,500 for burial and other costs.
A Slidell workers’ compensation attorney can help you take legal action and answer any questions about these benefits.
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.
ClientClient Satisfaction: Your Peace of Mind Matters to Us
When it comes to making significant decisions about hiring professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or plumbers, understanding the experiences of their previous clients can be invaluable.
Our firm prioritizes client satisfaction and takes pride in the positive feedback we receive from those we have served. We believe that hearing directly from our clients about the quality of our work is a testament to our commitment to providing excellent service.
Our firsthand testimonials illustrate our dedication to delivering exceptional service and achieving favorable outcomes. Your peace of mind is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your experience with our firm.
Begin Your Free Consultation Now with Laborde Earles
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we understand the challenges and complexities that can arise from a workers’ compensation claim. Our experienced attorneys are committed to providing personalized and knowledgeable legal representation to help you through the process.
We will work diligently to protect your rights, pursue the compensation you are entitled to, and support you throughout your case. Contact us today for legal advice and to discuss your workers’ compensation claim.
