Helping Injured Workers Understand Their Rights and Secure the Benefits They Deserve

A workplace injury can disrupt every part of your life: your health, your income, your ability to support your family, and your long-term career plans. At a time when you’re facing medical appointments, physical limitations, and uncertainty about the future, the workers’ compensation process can feel confusing and overwhelming. Employers want to control costs, insurance companies want to minimize payouts, and injured workers are often left fighting for the benefits they are legally entitled to receive.

You don’t have to navigate this system alone. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents injured workers throughout Louisiana, including Lafayette, Alexandria, Lake Charles, Marksville, New Iberia, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. With more than 350 years of combined experience, our attorneys help workers understand their rights, overcome disputes, and pursue the full benefits they deserve under Louisiana law.

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Understanding Workers’ Compensation in Louisiana

Workers’ compensation is a system that provides medical care and wage replacement benefits to employees hurt on the job. Most employers in Louisiana are legally required to carry coverage, and benefits should begin regardless of who caused the injury. However, disputes with insurers are common, and many legitimate claims are initially denied or underpaid.

Workers’ compensation is designed to cover work-related injuries, illnesses, and occupational conditions. When a dispute arises, whether over medical treatment, wage calculations, or eligibility, you have the right to file a formal claim and have your case heard by a workers’ compensation judge. Our firm can guide you through every stage of that process.

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Common Work Injuries We Handle

Job-related injuries can occur in any industry and can range from mild to catastrophic. We frequently assist workers with:

  • Back, neck, and spine injuries
  • Shoulder and knee injuries
  • Fractures and joint injuries
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Chemical exposure and occupational illnesses
  • Burns, crush injuries, and amputations
  • Psychological injuries linked to sudden workplace trauma

No matter the type of injury, our team works to document your condition and fight for the medical care and wage benefits you need.

Benefits Available Through Workers’ Compensation

Louisiana workers’ compensation may provide:

  • Medical treatment with no out-of-pocket costs
  • Wage replacement benefits (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage)
  • Supplemental earnings benefits if you return to work but earn less
  • Permanent disability benefits for long-term impairments
  • Vocational rehabilitation when you cannot return to your previous job
  • Survivor benefits and funeral expenses for fatal workplace accidents

Every case is unique, and our team evaluates the full impact of your injury to determine which benefits apply.

When Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Disputed

Insurance companies may challenge many parts of a workers’ compensation claim, including:

  • Whether the injury is work-related
  • The type or frequency of medical treatment
  • The worker’s ability to return to work
  • The calculation of wages
  • Eligibility for long-term benefits

When disputes arise, you can file a formal Disputed Claim for Compensation (Form 1008), and your case will be assigned to a workers’ compensation judge. Our firm handles filings, evidentiary preparation, hearings, and negotiations on your behalf.

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Third-Party Liability in Workplace Injury Cases

While you generally cannot sue your employer for a workplace injury, you may pursue a separate personal injury claim if a third party contributed to your accident.

These claims may arise from:

  • Defective equipment or machinery
  • Unsafe premises owned by another company
  • Negligent contractors or subcontractors
  • Motor vehicle accidents occurring during work duties

A third-party lawsuit may allow you to recover damages not available through workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering.

Why Injured Workers Choose Laborde Earles

Workers’ compensation claims involve complex procedures, strict deadlines, and frequent disputes from employers and insurance carriers. Injured workers turn to Laborde Earles because we offer:

  • Free case evaluations, no fee unless we win
  • A deep understanding of Louisiana workers’ compensation law
  • A full investigative and litigation team
  • Experienced trial attorneys when hearings are required
  • Help navigating medical treatment disputes
  • Support, communication, and guidance at every step

Our mission is to protect your rights and secure the benefits you are owed.

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What to Do After a Workplace Injury

Your actions after an injury can significantly impact your claim. If possible:

  • Report the injury to your employer immediately
  • Seek prompt medical attention
  • Follow all medical recommendations
  • Document symptoms and keep copies of all records
  • Avoid posting about the injury on social media
  • Speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer before signing any documents

We can help you avoid errors that insurance companies often use to deny or reduce claims.

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Workers Compensation Claims Clear Answers to Important Questions

How long do I have to report a workplace injury?

Louisiana generally requires employees to notify their employer within 30 days of the accident.

How long do I have to file a disputed workers’ compensation claim?

Most claims must be filed within one year, though rules vary depending on benefit type and prior payments.

Can I choose my own doctor?

Yes. Injured workers may choose their own treating physician in any specialty.

Can I receive workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability at the same time?

Yes, but combined benefits are capped. Louisiana uses a reverse offset, which may reduce workers’ comp payments.

What if the insurer denies my claim?

You may file Form 1008 and request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. We handle this entire process.

Do you have more questions?

Our team is here to answer every question about your case—clearly and honestly.

Standing With Injured Workers Through Every Step of Recovery

A workplace injury can leave you facing financial strain, medical uncertainty, and a long road to recovery, but you don’t have to face it without support. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is committed to protecting Louisiana workers, resolving disputes, and helping families regain stability. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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