Workers’ compensation is coverage for on-the-job accidental injuries paid through your employer’s insurance. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), workers’ compensation benefits may cover:
- Some portion of wages that you lose because of your injury
- The cost of medical care related to your on-the-job injury
- Death-related benefits in the case that your loved one has passed away from an on-the-job injury or illness
- Services necessary for you to get back up to speed after returning to work, also known as vocational rehabilitation services
The workers’ compensation benefits that you could be entitled to may depend on the specific policy that your employer holds. If your employer does not carry a workers’ compensation insurance policy, then alternative steps may be taken to seek compensation on your behalf.
Workplace Injuries Are an Unfortunate Reality
Industries make Louisiana go, but the jobs that Louisianans work can also be the source of injury. According to the journal Injury Epidemiology National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) notes that jobs that require physical exertion, such as lifting heavy objects, may put employees at an abnormal risk of suffering an on-the-job injury.
Workplace injuries may be the result of a dangerous workplace or could be due to some other factor such as faulty equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes some of the most frequent causes of workplace injuries, which includes:
- Falls suffered on construction sites
- Respiratory conditions
- Unsafe scaffolding
- Electrical-related dangers
- Industrial trucks
- Lack of protection for employees’ eyes and faces
- Machinery-related hazards
Each workplace is unique, and each work site could present unique hazards that may ultimately result in injury. A lawyer can help you seek compensation after an on-the-job injury, as they may be familiar with the rules and practices pertaining to workers’ compensation.
A Lawyer Can Handle Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
While workers’ compensation may be a benefit that you are entitled to, the process for securing the compensation you deserve may not be simple. A lawyer can help you understand what workers’ compensation is, how it applies to you, and how they can help you obtain any workers’ compensation benefits that you deserve. They will also defend your rights as you complete your workers’ compensation claim.
Your lawyer may need to file official forms, such as Form 1008, which may be necessary in the case that there is some dispute regarding your claim. An employer or insurance company disputing your claim is just one of the complications that could occur during your pursuit of benefits, and your lawyer may be especially helpful in the event of such complications.
Complications with Workers’ Compensation Claims
You may face some challenges as you seek compensation for an on-the-job injury. Some of the allegations that a lawyer may dispute on your workers’ compensation claim denial include:
- That your injury occurred outside of the normal course of your job
- That you were impaired in some way at the time that your injury occurred
- That you were fooling around, which contributed to your injury
- That you harmed yourself on purpose so that you could receive workers’ compensation benefits
Your lawyer may be able to disprove any such allegations. They may do so by citing evidence (such as video of the accident) or providing testimony from those who witnessed your injury occur. This is just one example of how a lawyer can assist you with a workers’ compensation claim.
Additional Services Provided by a Lawyer
Your lawyer may play several roles within your pursuit of compensation. They can give you general advice about the process of obtaining workers’ compensation, inform you of relevant deadlines and rules, and handle the majority or entirety of your workers’ compensation claim.
As part of completing your claim, your lawyer and their team may:
- Gather evidence related to your accident
- Obtain and organize medical documentation of your injuries
- File your claim
- Handle communications with the insurance company that issues your employers’ workers’ compensation policy
- File a lawsuit against any third parties that caused your on-the-job injury
- Handle all administrative aspects of your claim
Injuries can cause physical, psychological, and emotional harm, and the reality of being unable to work could be damaging. A lawyer can allow you to focus on getting back to full strength by handling the pursuit of any benefits that you deserve.
Call Today
The team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers understands how a workplace injury can affect you, as it may cause great harm to your health along with financial stress. Our team will fight for the compensation that you deserve as you worry about getting better. Call us today at (337) 777-7777 for a free consultation.