Lafayette Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Lafayette Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers’ compensation is an important safety measure that protects employees from losing out on income if they are injured at work. However, the process of filing a claim and submitting all the relevant documents can be confusing. A Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyer can educate you on what is necessary to file a successful claim and give you the resources to receive the compensation you deserve.

Seeking Justice for Your Situation

It can be difficult to sort through a workers’ compensation claim, especially when you’re dealing with the physical effects of a work-related injury. At the Cox Law Firm, we understand these challenges and are here to help you secure the benefits you deserve. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the workers’ compensation process so that you can obtain what you deserve.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that most employers are required to purchase for their businesses. This insurance pays injured employees to compensate for financial and medical expenses incurred as a result of getting injured while working. The workers’ compensation process helps employees receive compensation more quickly than they would by filing a personal injury claim.

This type of compensation can be used for many different types of injuries. Some of the most common are fractures, sprains, and cuts, but injuries related to the industry are also eligible, like being exposed to dangerous substances or chemicals. Jobs that require lots of repetitive motion might be more subject to injury, making them eligible for a workers’ compensation claim as well.

The overall compensation for a workers’ compensation claim includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, any required surgeries, prescription medications, and outpatient rehab or therapy. Since many employees cannot work immediately after their injury, they are sometimes paid a portion of their salary to make up for this disparity in income. There are other benefits as well, depending on the context of the injury, like disability and death benefits.

The Process of Filing a Claim

As soon as an injury on the job occurs, report it to your company’s owner or manager. If you do not let anyone know that the injury happened, then you might not be eligible for compensation. After notifying your job, seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. This creates evidence, like medical reports, that confirms your injury and can be used to link your wounds to your job.

Once you are safe, file a claim form with the Louisiana Workforce Commission. If you do not know how to do this, ask your employer for assistance. After the paperwork is filed, make sure to keep in contact with your employer and their insurance company to be updated on the status of your workers’ compensation claim.

Common Issues With Filing Claims

In some cases, workers’ compensation claims are denied. Learning about the most common reasons for denial can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that you can obtain compensation.

• Not Reporting in Time: If you fail to report your injury in the timeframe that is mandated by law, your claim could get denied. It is important to let your employer know as soon as possible about your injuries so that you meet the time limits for a claim.
• Not Enough Evidence: Visiting a doctor after your injuries is important because it creates important evidence for your claim. If you do not get checked out soon after the injury occurs, a claim can be denied because there is no proof that the injury was sustained at work instead of just being a pre-existing condition.
• Not Following Medical Advice: Following the doctors’ orders can be just as important as the first visit. Obeying instructions can prove that you are actually injured in the way that you say you are. If you do not do what you are supposed to do or fail to attend additional appointments, then it can be difficult to prove that your injuries are as serious as you claim.

If your claim has been denied, work with a workers’ compensation attorney for assistance.

FAQs

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

Eligible parties for workers’ compensation include any employee who is injured while completing work-related tasks. Typically, individuals must be employees and not independent contractors. Employers usually purchase insurance that covers these types of claims. There might be exceptions for small businesses, but this is uncommon. If you are unsure whether you qualify for workers’ compensation, consult an attorney.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

The type of injury in a workers’ compensation claim matters less than why the injury occurred. A wide range of injuries are included, but regardless of the injury sustained, it must have been done while the employee was working. For example, someone who mows lawns for a living might be able to file workers’ comp for a strained back as a result of mowing, but a sedentary employee might not be eligible because it’s unrelated to their job.

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

To file a workers’ compensation claim, let your employer know about your injuries, as soon as possible. The next step is to complete paperwork about when and how your injury occurred as well as the scope of the injury. This paperwork is usually given to you by your employer, but it’s also available online if they do not. Once it’s done, it should be turned in to the Louisiana Workforce Commission to be processed.

Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

You cannot be fired solely for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Louisiana. This is considered retaliation and is illegal. However, some employers will attempt to fire employees due to other reasons after they file a claim. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney to determine whether you experienced retaliation if you have been fired after filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Make Your Well-Being a Priority

At the Cox Law Firm, we believe that every worker deserves fair compensation for the injuries they sustained on the job. Schedule a consultation with us today to learn how to file a workers’ compensation claim, file an appeal, or even file a personal injury claim against a negligent party. We understand these types of legal issues and are happy to guide you through the process.