Workers’ comp is designed to meet the medical and financial needs of employees when an injury prevents them from working. If you were hurt at work, you are entitled to file a claim and request those benefits. Reporting a workers’ comp injury in Louisiana is only the first step in a complex process.
In addition to reporting the injury, you must obtain and complete specific forms. Depending on whether your claim is in dispute, you may have to go through mediation before it is assigned to a judge, who will determine your eligibility for benefits. If your application is denied, you can appeal the judge’s decision.
How Long Do I Have to Report a Workplace Injury in Louisiana?
If you get hurt at work, your first priority is to get any emergency care you require. As soon as possible, though, you should report your injury to your employer. You generally have 30 days to notify them.
If you have a personal injury lawyer, they will explain all the notification and filing deadlines that apply to your case. They can help you meet those deadlines and avoid the consequences of filing your workers’ compensation claim too late.
How Do I Report My Workplace Injury?
You can obtain and complete the required forms and report your accident and injury online, by email, by fax, or by phone. They will usually ask for the following information:
- Employer name and address
- Your full name and date of birth
- Your Social Security number
- Your contact information
- Your job title and salary
- How your injury occurred
- Emergency and other treatment to date
You can complete all mandatory forms with guidance and direction from your lawyer. They can check your documents for errors and omissions that could delay your claim.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for Workers’ Comp Benefits?
In Louisiana, workers’ compensation insurance covers workers right from their first day of employment. If the injury you are reporting happened at work, you are likely to qualify for benefits for mental and physical injuries—regardless of fault.
In many cases, you get benefits even if you inadvertently caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. If there is a dispute in your ability to recover benefits, your case may go to mediation for resolution.
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 Forms Do I Need to File My Workers’ Compensation Injury Claim?
Workers’ compensation insurance in Louisiana provides coverage for injured workers and waives the employer’s liability, meaning employees usually cannot file a civil suit against them.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim involves a plethora of medical evidence and the completion of a wealth of forms. You and/or your employer might have to fill out the following documents:
- Choice of Physician Form (Form WC 1121)
- First Report of Injury or Illness (Form LWC-WC IA-1)
- Notice of Payment (Form 1002)
- Disputed Claim for Compensation (Form 1008)
- Disputed Claim for Medical Treatment (Form 1009)
Your lawyer will help you complete and submit the required forms to start recovering workers’ comp benefits.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help With Reporting My Claim?
Filing an accurate workers’ comp claim can be complex and time-consuming. If you have a lawyer in your corner, they will handle all the hard work, details, and legalities of your claim so you can focus on getting better.
- Compile medical evidence
- Gather employment and salary history
- Explain each step of the filing process
- Handle all correspondence
- Represent you during mediation
- File an appeal if your claim is denied
Many workers’ compensation attorneys take injury cases on a contingency-fee basis. Under this payment arrangement, they only receive compensation for their services if they recover a settlement for you. This way, you won’t take any financial risk, and they can begin your case right away.
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 | ClientWill Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover All My Medical Bills?
Many states require you to receive treatment from an employer-selected healthcare provider. However, in Louisiana, you can choose your healthcare team and facility. Your employer or their workers’ comp insurance provider will cover the following costs:
- Emergency medical care
- Injury-related medical bills
- Treatment-related travel costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Required prescription drugs
- Assistive medical devices
Your lawyer can help you gather your medical records and bills from every healthcare professional and facility where you received care. They will fight to recover these costs from the time your injury occurred until you reach maximum medical improvement.
What Type of Financial Benefits Will I Receive While I Cannot Work?
Potential workers’ comp financial benefits include:
- Temporary total disability benefits to pay for two-thirds of your weekly income
- Supplemental earnings benefits, which provide two-thirds of the difference between your previous income and your current income if your injury forces you to take a lower-paying job
- Permanent total or partial disability benefits for injured workers who suffer a permanent physical injury
Part of an effective workers’ comp claim is accurate reporting and assessment of your injury. An inaccurate assessment can prevent you from receiving the full range of benefits you need and the monthly compensation you are entitled to recover.
The reassurance from Digger and his staff gave me that renewed hope that it’s going to be okay down the road.
ClientFree Workers’ Comp Injury Case Review Available 24/7
If you or a loved one was injured at work, you are entitled to seek the medical and financial benefits of workers’ compensation insurance. Applying for and obtaining those benefits, though, can be complicated, especially when you’re injured. You do not have to navigate this complex process alone. We can take it on for you.
Contact Laborde Earles team members today to get help reporting a workers’ comp injury in Louisiana and filing an effective claim. We offer free consultations.
