Louisiana Wrongful Death Lawyer
Following a fatal workplace accident, a damage claim is usually the last thing on a family’s mind. No amount of money could begin to fill the emotional void. One of our clients once said if I had the choice between a hundred billion dollars or the return of my brother, I’d choose my brother. However, the fact is that these families have a severe economic need. Usually, the decedent was the family’s primary, or only, breadwinner. Additionally, bills for final expenses, such as funeral expenses and final medical bills, are extremely high. Workers’ compensation benefits make life a little easier for survivors.
The experienced Louisiana wrongful death lawyer at Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe know how valuable your sight is. So, while we cannot change what happened in the past, we can work hard to ensure that these victims get the compensation they need and deserve. Money doesn’t begin to make up for a fatal injury. However, maximum compensation gives victims the money they need to pay extensive medical bills and also move on with their lives. Because we work so hard, we’re usually able to settle these claims out of court and on victim-friendly terms.
Initial Examination
Whether the victim is alive or dead, callous Claims Examiners often deny initial workers’ compensation claims. Sometimes, they use obscure technicalities to justify these decisions. These technicalities almost never hold up in court, or rather at an Administrative Law Judge appeal hearing. More on that below.
Other Claims Examiners only approve part of the medical expense claim, leaving survivors with thousands of dollars in bills they cannot pay. Or, the Claims Examiner offers a payment that cannot possibly make up for future lost wages.
It’s important to remember that these denials don’t mean your claim is weak or meritless. In fact, the faster the denial, the better. Fast denials mean a Louisiana wrongful death lawyer may quickly take the claim to the next level and wrap up the matter sooner. That’s good news in wrongful death matters, since everyone is anxious to move on.
ALJ Appeals
Administrative Law Judges have basically the same power and authority as full judges, at least while court is in session. ALJs, since they aren’t accountable to voters or an executive authority, don’t have the same overall powers.
Their authority includes the power to convene a hearing, listen to legal arguments, and make rulings on evidence. That’s a refreshing change from the initial examination phase, which an insurance company employee conducts and an attorney cannot meaningfully participate in.
Because the environment is so victim-friendly, insurance company lawyers know they’re against the wall. Therefore, they’re usually willing to settle these claims on favorable terms. In fact, nearly all workers’ compensation claims settle out of court.
Work With a Thorough Lafayette Parish Attorney
Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced Louisiana wrongful death lawyer, contact Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, LLC. You have a limited amount of time to act.
