Lafayette Work Injury Lawyer

Lafayette Work Injury Attorney

Experiencing a workplace injury can make life hard to navigate. With daunting medical bills piling up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A work injury attorney can advocate for employees after a work injury. For help with understanding your rights and working through the process of getting compensation, consult a Lafayette work injury lawyer to assist you in your efforts.

Standing Up for the Disenfranchised

At the Cox Law Firm, we support the idea that the common person can stand strong against powerful businesses. We’re dedicated to the idea that carelessness and negligence must be addressed to prevent it from happening in the future. The attorneys at the Cox Law Firm are committed to ensuring justice for our clients by advocating for those who have been wronged. We can skillfully secure compensation to help them recover.

Common Types of Work Injuries

There are many different types of injuries that individuals sustain at work, but here are some of the most common:

• Fractures, Sprains, and Broken Bones: These injuries often result from slips, trips, falls, or being struck by objects. They can include falling into something on the same level of elevation or falling off a ladder or roof to a lower level.
• Burns: Many employees work in industries that regularly expose them to dangerous levels of heat, making them more susceptible to burns. These can also include electrical and chemical burns, which can cause other complications.
• Exposure to Dangerous Substances: Some individuals are exposed to asbestos or silica, which can lead to breathing issues like COPD, skin disorders like dermatitis, or even cancer in extreme cases.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: These types of injuries occur when workers are expected to do the same motions over and over again. Common injuries include carpal tunnel, back pain, tendonitis, or bursitis.

Learning about different types of injuries that you could experience in the workplace can help you know when to inform your supervisor about an injury that you may have sustained on the job.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation was designed to help make the compensation process easier for the everyday employee. Instead of having to prove that an employer was negligent, which can be a difficult task, they can simply file a workers’ compensation claim to receive financial support. However, this compensation is usually more limited in scope than the damages that one might receive from a personal injury claim, as it only covers economic damages.

To qualify for workers’ compensation, you have to be an employee, not an independent contractor. You must have gotten injured while performing work-related tasks and report the injury shortly after it occurred.

A typical workers’ compensation claim includes medical expenses to recover from the injury and a portion of your normal wages to make up for the fact that you’re not working after an injury. If the injury is severe enough to disable you, then you could receive disability benefits as well. There are also benefits paid out to a family if the individual dies due to workplace injuries.

When to Get an Attorney Involved

Most people’s injuries are resolved through the filing of a workers’ compensation claim, but certain situations might require the involvement of an attorney. If an employer did not properly maintain their workplace, which led to the injury, you might be able to file a claim against them for damages that are not included in traditional workers’ compensation. This also applies to third parties, like contractors or manufacturers of equipment used at the work site.

An attorney can also assist with a workers’ compensation claim. If your claim was denied, they might be able to help you gather additional information to file an appeal to get your claim approved. Some appeals require hearings and a work injury lawyer can represent you in those as well.

FAQs

Can You Sue Your Employer for a Work Injury in Louisiana?

Individuals usually cannot sue their employer for a work injury in Lafayette, Louisiana. Workers’ compensation is typically used to compensate the employee instead of the worker filing a legal claim directly against the employer. However, if there was negligence involved from a third party, it might be possible to file a claim against that party for directly causing your injuries. These claims can be tricky and could benefit from the experience of a work injury lawyer.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Work Injury?

Immediately after a work injury, you should report it to a supervisor or employee. If you receive medical attention for your injury, keep any documentation surrounding this process. Record the scope of your injuries yourself by taking notes and photos. Find a safe place to store all records of documents related to your injury, including bills, receipts, medical records, and any communication about your injury, like emails.

Does Louisiana Workers’ Comp Pay for Pain and Suffering After a Work Injury?

Louisiana workers’ comp typically does not pay for pain and suffering after a work injury. Workers’ compensation provides easier access to monetary recovery after a workplace injury, but this comes with a limited amount of damages that are only meant to cover economic losses, not pain and suffering. It’s sometimes possible to recover damages for mental illnesses acquired as a result of your injury, but this is not always the case.

What If My Employer Denies My Work Injury Claim?

If an employer denies your work injury claim, you don’t have to accept the decision. You might be able to reverse it by filing an appeal. Bring any documentation you have regarding the claim and your injuries to a work injury attorney. They can review your claim and help you plan your next steps. Your attorney can then help you file an appeal and even represent you in a hearing if necessary.

Contact the Cox Law Firm

Having the right information is essential for seeking compensation after a work injury. A workplace injury attorney can guide you through the legal process so that you can get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a consultation with the Cox Law Firm to take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.