A St. Charles Parish workers’ compensation lawyer could help you seek the benefits you deserve if you got injured at work or developed a job-related illness in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. The workers’ compensation program has strict rules, however, so it can be helpful to work with an attorney to avoid dealing with problems regarding your benefits claim.
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, we’re prepared to fight for the benefits you deserve. We can handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.
The Purpose of Workers’ Compensation Insurance in St. Charles Parish
Louisiana requires most employers to purchase workers’ compensation insurance that covers workers and limits employers’ liability. As the Louisiana Department of Insurance explains, your boss does not have to admit fault on their part if you get sick or hurt on the job. However, you can get coverage regardless of fault.
Workers’ compensation insurance can provide benefits for covered accidents and illnesses. The benefits can include medical treatment coverage, rehabilitation to return to work, disability payments, and death benefits. Usually, however, the employee cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer if they receive benefits from the workers’ compensation program.
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.
ClientHow Workers’ Compensation Works in Louisiana
The Louisiana Workforce Commission of the Department of Labor says that our state’s workers’ compensation program can cover full-time or part-time employees and seasonal workers. Also, employed minors can receive benefits under the program. Also, employed minors can receive benefits under the program. Volunteer workers, public officials, domestic employees, and several other categories of workers cannot receive benefits from the workers’ compensation program.
Your coverage starts on your first day on the job if you are a covered employee. If you have a job-related illness or injury, you must promptly report the incident on the proper form. In addition to physical injuries from occupational diseases or workplace accidents, Louisiana’s workers’ compensation program can cover mental injuries from “sudden, unexpected and extraordinary stress” directly related to the work environment.
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 Our Past Clients Say About Our Legal Team
It can be scary to have to hire someone to take care of your case, especially when so much depends on the outcome. Also, you want to get treated with respect and know that your workers’ compensation claim matters.
You can read a small sample of our Google Reviews from delighted clients:
“I have had nothing but excellent service with this firm, they keep me updated on my case, are easy to get ahold of and my paralegal Mallory Marsh goes above and beyond for myself and my mother, she’s kind caring and truly concerned about us and regularly checks in to see how we are doing. I would highly recommend this firm. Such a pleasure to work with.” – Kori P.
“I had a very positive experience with Laborde Earles. They provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to detail. My paralegal Kimberly is smart, realistic, efficient, pleasant and very personable: all the qualities you want. I will recommend to my family and friends. Thank you for all your hard work!!” – Danielle L.
You can be confident that we work hard for all of our clients. We will be just as diligent and involved with your case.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientLouisiana Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Depending on your situation, Louisiana workers’ compensation insurance can provide these benefits for qualifying injuries or illnesses:
- Medical Benefits. This includes payment of the medical treatment you need for your wounds or disease.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD). Perhaps your injury or illness prevents you from returning to the job for more than seven calendar days. In that case, you might be able to collect weekly or monthly indemnity benefits during your temporary period of total disability.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD). An injury that the Workers’ Compensation Commission determines to be permanent could entitle a worker to PTD benefits, as long as the person continues to be unable to perform any kind of work due to a covered work-related illness or injury.
- Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB). When you can return to work, you might be eligible for cash benefits if you cannot make at least 90 percent of your earnings before getting injured on the job. SEB benefits can help replace some of the difference in your income.
- Catastrophic Injury. This includes a one-time payment of $50,000. The Louisiana workers’ compensation program defines catastrophic injuries as paraplegia, quadriplegia, or the complete physical dismemberment of both arms or hands, legs or feet, eyes, a hand and a foot, or any combination of two of these body parts.
- Vocational Rehabilitation. An employee may no longer be able to perform the kind of work they did when they got injured or ill on the job because of lingering problems from that covered incident. In that case, the workers’ compensation program could provide training for that individual to pursue gainful employment in a different field.
- Death Benefits. The program provides up to $8,500 for burial and other expenses, weekly cash payments to a surviving spouse, dependent children, or other dependents, or a one-time cash payment to the deceased worker’s surviving parents if the worker had no surviving dependents.
Your St. Charles Parish workers’ compensation lawyer can explain these benefits in greater detail.
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 Workers’ Compensation in Louisiana does Not Cover
An employee may suffer an injury or illness that did not result from the performance of duties within the scope of their job. In that case, the Louisiana workers’ compensation program will not cover the losses. Also, a worker who gets hurt while engaging in “horseplay” might not be eligible for coverage.
Other situations in which illness or injury might not qualify for benefits include:
- A worker who intentionally injures himself or others.
- An employee who got hurt during an unprovoked physical fight in which he was the aggressor.
- A worker who was intoxicated at the time of the injury.
Our workers’ compensation attorneys can tell you more about whether your accident and injury may qualify for benefits.
Contact Our Team to Get Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Case
At Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers, our attorneys can advocate for you to receive the benefits you deserve in St. Charles Parish. Learn more about how we can help you take the next steps for your case today. We offer free case evaluations that come with no obligation.
