Arbitration after a workplace accident in Louisiana can help you secure benefits to cover your losses. So, how do you prepare for mediation in a workers’ comp case? Make sure you calculate your losses and know all legal issues before your meeting.
You can also work with a Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyer from our team at Laborde Earles to make sure you’re ready for your mediation appointment. We can guide you through the legal process and answer any questions you have.
Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
What Is Mediation for Workers’ Comp?
We recommend getting familiar with the mediation process in Louisiana as part of your preparations. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident about securing compensation to cover your losses following an injury.
Basically, mediation serves as a method to resolve your claim for compensation if you and your employer cannot come to an agreement on your own. In this situation, you reach out to the Louisiana Office of Workers’ Compensation and request a mediation conference.
The conference is a meeting involving:
- You and your workers’ comp lawyer
- Your employer and any legal representation they bring
- An Office of Workers’ Compensation mediator
During the conference, your lawyer and your employer will share their positions, and the mediator will strive to help both sides find a mutually satisfactory solution.
Keep in mind that Louisiana may allow you to request voluntary mediation. If the conference is voluntary, your employer may decide not to participate. Your lawyer can explain this situation in more detail.
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 Can You Prepare for Your Mediation Conference?
Our team at Laborde Earles has over 250 years of combined experience handling claims in Louisiana. We’ll use our legal knowledge to help you prepare for your workers’ comp mediation conference and to determine if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
We recommend that you:
Get Familiar with Your Legal and Medical Issues
It’s essential to understand the medical issues you face due to your workplace accident before mediation. You can bring copies of your medical records and statements from your doctors along to the mediation.
Understand the Value of Your Claim
Before you begin mediation, make sure you speak with your lawyer so you know what benefits you might be able to recover in a workers’ comp claim. Your lawyer may review the costs of your:
- Emergency medical care
- Time spent in the hospital
- Medical assessments and procedures
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Medications
Your lawyer may also consider any time you had to take off work, factoring in the value of your lost wages.
Your lawyer will likely handle any negotiations that occur during mediation for you. Knowing the scope of your losses allows your attorney to negotiate from a position of strength.
Dress Neatly
Generally, mediation represents an informal process. You can often wear a button-up shirt and jeans as long as your clothing is neat and clean. If you feel unsure about how to dress, reach out to your lawyer before the meeting.
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 Should You Do on the Day of Your Mediation?
It’s important to make the right impression when you arrive at your mediation appointment. Make sure that you arrive on time. In some cases, the mediator may end the session if you show up late.
Your lawyer may want to meet before the mediation to discuss your case. Once the mediation begins, make sure that you remain professional and polite. We understand the stress associated with workers’ comp claims, but staying calm can have better results.
Your attorney will likely handle much of the talking during mediation proceedings. However, you may need to answer questions or talk about your accident. We’ll provide you with guidance throughout the process.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientDoes Mediation Guarantee Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Going through the mediation process with your workers’ comp claim may allow you to secure benefits that cover all of your medical bills. However, sometimes mediation does not result in an agreement.
The mediator cannot make your employer accept a deal. Nor can the mediator force you to accept a poor settlement offer.
If the process doesn’t result in an agreement, your lawyer may help you file a Disputed Claim for Compensation. Our team can help you understand the process of seeking compensation through a workers’ compensation judge.
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.
ClientSpeak to Us to Prepare for Workers’ Comp Mediation
How do you prepare for mediation in a workers’ comp case in Louisiana? Your first step can be contacting our team at Laborde Earles for guidance through the legal process and help securing maximum benefits.
You can call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
