What Is the Average Settlement for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
There is no “average” settlement for a workers’ compensation claim. This is generally the case because every workers’ compensation claim is independent of others, and the results of workers’ compensation claims are not usually of public record.
In general, a worker’s compensation claim may cover two-thirds of your regular pay for the duration of your injuries, as well as your accident-related medical care. There may be other circumstances that impact a workers’ compensation award or damages, making it difficult to calculate an average settlement.
Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Independent Matters
Knowing the average settlement for workers’ compensation claims may not help you understand what compensation you could potentially receive because:
- Your average earnings before your injury or illness may determine how much coverage for lost income you could receive
- Your specific medical costs could determine the value of your workers’ compensation benefits
Instead, a workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to examine your case and your injuries to estimate the value of benefits that you may be able to receive. If you qualify, a lawyer can handle other aspects of your workers’ compensation claim as well.
A Lawyer Can Complete Your Claim
You have the choice to hire a lawyer to assist with your workers’ compensation claims. Your lawyer may be able to handle as much of the claims process as possible. More specifically, your lawyer may:
- Record your account of your injury or illness
- Seek evidence that supports your account of being injured or becoming ill while working
- Record witness accounts of your accident
- Obtain medical records for your injury or illness
- Monitor the progress of your claim
- File a Form LWC-WC-1008 in the case that your claim is disputed by your employer or their insurance company
- Negotiate a settlement
- File any necessary appeals
- Represent you before a judge if necessary
One of a lawyer’s primary duties, in any case, is to defend their client’s rights. You may face attempts from your employer or their insurance company to undermine your rights, and a lawyer can be there to help in this situation.
You May Be Entitled to Coverage for Medical Care and Lost Income
The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) explains that workers’ compensation benefits may entitle workers to coverage for medical care for their injuries as well as some two-thirds of their regular wages during the time that they are injured and unable to work.
You may be facing extensive medical costs depending on the specific nature and severity of your work-related injury. Your lawyer can handle the process of seeking compensation for your medical expenses, which may include:
- Costs associated with diagnosing your injury or illness, such as X-rays, MRIs, and blood tests
- Costs for treating your injury, which could include doctor’s visits, surgery, and one or more periods of hospitalization
- The cost of rehabilitation from your injury
A Lawyer Can Handle Disputes About Your Claim
It is a possibility that your claim will not be processed smoothly. Having a lawyer on your side could take the burden of resolving any claim-related dispute off of you.
Possible disagreements between you, your employer, or their insurer may revolve around:
- How your injury or illness occurred
- Whether your injury or illness should be covered by workers’ compensation
- How many replacement wages you should receive
- The cost of your medical care
- How much medical care is necessary for you to receive
Disputes about any aspect of your claim could be an obstacle to you receiving compensation. A lawyer may be able to take steps to counter and resolve any unwarranted disputes about your injury or illness when they represent you.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to manage your workers’ compensation claim while you focus on your recovery. We represent injured workers in and around Lafayette and Alexandria.
For a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 282-9205. We can discuss what value a settlement for your workers’ compensation claim may have as part of this call.
Keep in mind that deadlines in workers’ compensation cases may be tight and that Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §23:1301 may give you just 30 days to notify your employer of an injury that occurred on the job. The sooner you call Earles Injury Lawyers, the sooner we can start working for you.
