The Complex World of Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation coverage is designed to protect employers from the liability they incur from workplace accidents. The coverage provides a way to give injured employees wages and medical benefits while they recuperate from workplace injuries. While the system is supposed to seem easy and straightforward, you’d be surprised by the obstacles workers have to hurdle to just get the ball rolling. Injured worker claims may be denied, medical care disputes and benefits being reduced could all be challenges faced if you find yourself in this situation. Not to mention the strict rules employers and insurance companies operate on, which can ultimately create confusion. Being aware of these potential challenges is important, and in many cases, seeking the right help from workers’ compensation lawyers in the Baton Rouge area can make all the difference in helping you through your claim. At WCW our experienced workplace injury lawyers in Baton Rouge are here to protect your rights and get you back in the workplace.      

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation benefits for workplace injuries include:

• Medical benefits that cover all medical care from a participating doctor in the workers’ compensation network;
• Income benefits, which replace part of the wages lost due to the injury, including lifetime income benefits, temporary income benefits, impairment income benefits and supplemental income benefits; and
• Death and Burial Benefits, which are intended to replace a part of lost family income for eligible family members as well as burial benefits for covering some portion of the funeral expenses.

While the ability to file a workers’ compensation claims can be very beneficial to an injured worker who was the victim of an unsafe or unhealthy work environment, the process of filing these claims and collecting the benefits can be complicated. Additionally, there are some cases where a third party, other than the employer, like an independent contractor or manufacturer of defective equipment that was fully or partially responsible for the workplace accident that caused the employee’s injuries.  When this happens, the injured employee can then pursue a claim against the third party independent of collecting the workers’ compensation.

Workers’ Claims & Compensation FAQs

There are many frequently asked questions when it comes to filing a workers’ comp claim in Louisiana. More common workers comp FAQs include:

• What is workers’ compensation? By Law, an injury or illness is covered regardless of fault as long as it happened while the company employed the employee and at their job.
• What should I do if I get injured at work? The first step should be reporting the incident to your supervisor as soon as possible.
• Do I need an attorney? It is not required. An attorney is necessary if the injury is severe enough and claims are denied. In that case that’s when experienced workers’ compensation lawyers will get involved.
• How much will I get? Benefits and compensation are often a percentage of how much you make a week, but factors such as serve of injury also play a role.
• How long do I have to file a claim? In the state of Louisiana, the statute of limitations allows employees to file a claim within the first 30 days of the accident

Going through workers’ compensation claims can often feel overwhelming, especially when strict deadlines, workers’ compensation, and legal action are involved. Experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Baton Rouge are available if you have to come forward with a denied claim, delayed benefits, or have suffered a serious workplace injury. It’s important to have your rights protected and to walk clearly and decisively through the process.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers In Baton Rouge

If you have been injured on the job and need direction on how to take the next step to receiving workers’ compensation or file a claim against a third party who was partially or entirely responsible for the injuries, it’s time to contact an industrial injury attorney who can put their knowledge and experience to work for you. This assistance involves investigating your accident and determining the third party’s involvement and fault. If you are unsure what your next step should be, visit us online or give us a call at 312-883-0607 for a free consultation.