According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, workers’ compensation benefits covered an average of 2,200 hospitalizations across the state annually between 2003 and 2012. Although some industries and positions are more dangerous than others, anyone can sustain a workplace injury. For this reason, most employers in Louisiana must maintain workers’ compensation insurance.
Unfortunately, even if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, you might face an uphill legal battle if you decide to make a claim. It is important that you do not give your employer or the insurance company a reason to deny or undervalue your claim. This is where an injury attorney can help.
For a free legal consultation, call (337) 777-7777
An Alexandria accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Law Firm will help you avoid costly mistakes such as missing deadlines, making recorded statements to the insurance company, overlooking certain damages, or posting sensitive information about your case on social media. Call (337) 777-7777 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Read on to learn about the benefits you may be able to recover from workers’ compensation:
- Medical Bills
Regardless of who is liable for your work-related injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills. These include all reasonable costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
There is no limit on the dollar amount for covering necessary medical care. The only time you will have to cover a medical expense is if you opt for a brand-name prescription drug when a generic one is available. In such a scenario, you would have to cover the difference.
- Disability Benefits
The purpose of disability benefits is to replace a portion of your wages if your injury prevents you from returning to work. Temporary disability benefits are available to employees who need to miss more than seven days of work in order to recover.
If you are able to return to work but the injury prevents you from earning 100 percent of your normal wages, you may qualify for supplement earnings benefits. Permanent total disability benefits are for individuals with disabling injuries who cannot hold any kind of gainful employment.
The exact amount of these benefits will depend on your average weekly wage prior to the injury. In the state of Louisiana, the compensation rate for lost wages is 66 percent of your AWW.
- Death Benefits
If an employee dies as a result of a work injury, his or her spouse or children may qualify for weekly death benefits. If the deceased has no dependents, the surviving parents may be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $75,000 each. Additionally, the employer or its insurer will cover reasonable burial expenses of up to $8,500.
- Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation services are intended to retrain disabled employees so they can return to work as soon as possible following an injury. Workers’ compensation benefits cover the costs associated with this training.
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If you sustained an injury at work and you intend to file a workers’ compensation claim, turn to Laborde Earles Law Firm for comprehensive legal guidance. Call (337) 777-7777 to schedule a free initial consultation with an Alexandria injury attorney.
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