Lafayette Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Louisiana workers’ compensation coverage should provide benefits for any traumatic injury or occupational illness that develops during your job-related duties. Dealing with the insurance company can be frustrating, especially when they wrongfully deny benefits or terminate them too early. If you sustained a work-related injury or illness, let our Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyers help.
At Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, PLLC, we specialize in workers’ compensation benefits claims, unlike other Lafayette personal injury law firms that only handle a few workers’ compensation cases each year. When you retain us to represent you, you benefit from lawyers who handle similar cases every day. We know how insurance companies work and their tactics to deny claims or reduce the benefits they provide unfairly. Don’t let the claims process leave you frustrated and stressed out. Contact our office instead. We are here to help you fight for the benefits you’re entitled to.
What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Lafayette Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Louisiana workers’ compensation laws cover traumatic injuries or other occupational illnesses that occur in the course and scope of your employment. Some of the most common workers’ compensation claims are related to:
- Back, Neck, and Spine Injuries: Spine injuries are some of the most common claims denied by workers’ compensation insurers. They often allege that lower back strain, pinched nerves, disc herniations, and inflamed ligaments are degenerative, not due to work. However, repetitive motion, including heavy lifting, repeatedly bending over, sitting for prolonged periods, etc., can lead to a valid workers’ compensation claim in Louisiana.
- First Responder Injuries: First responders are exposed to hazardous conditions every day on the job. That includes loud noises, smoke, bodily fluids, chemicals, carcinogens, and other toxins. Some workers can develop bloodborne illnesses, cancer, hearing loss, etc. First responders also have a high incidence of hypertension and posttraumatic stress disorder due to their work.
- Bone Fractures: Foot and ankle fractures are typical workers’ compensation claims, especially for construction workers and warehouse employees. Examples of injuries include falling from a ladder, being run over by a forklift, or having a heavy object land on your foot.
- Shoulder and Knee Injuries: Traumatic accidents and repetitive motion injuries can lead to a torn ACL, rotator cuff, or menisci. Workers’ compensation adjusters will claim these injuries are degenerative and try to avoid extending benefits, despite being job-related.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you are approved for benefits, you should receive compensation to cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. That includes hospital and doctor bills, medical supplies, prescriptions, physical therapy, and more.
When you cannot work due to your injuries, workers’ compensation can provide up to two-thirds of your regular wages, subject to a maximum weekly amount. Workers who are permanently injured can also receive this benefit for their entire disability period. However, permanent total disability benefits are only available in the most severe cases, such as amputation, paralysis, blindness, etc.
Contact a Lafayette Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you need assistance with pursuing a workers’ compensation claim in Louisiana, contact Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today at 504-788-2994 to schedule an initial consultation.
