My Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Benefits Stopped. What Gives And What Can I Do?
Getting injured on the job is no walk in the park. When a workplace injury occurs, often an injured worker is unable to return to their regular job for months or longer, as the injury heals and the worker is rehabilitated. Meanwhile, injured workers still have all of the regular financial responsibilities of able-bodied workers, including rent, utilities, and groceries. Add to that the cost of a workplace injury, including medical treatment and costs for rehabilitation, and the financial stresses that plague an injured worker are compounded. Fortunately, in Louisiana, and throughout the United States, most injured workers are entitled to wage replacement, medical treatment costs, and rehabilitation costs under state workers’ compensation laws. However, what happens if an injured worker who has been receiving workers’ compensation benefits suddenly finds that payments have stopped? What are the reasons that Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits stop, and what can be done?
Common Reasons that Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Benefits Stop
There are several common reasons that an injured worker’s workers’ compensation benefits may stop. The first common reason is that a doctor presents an opinion that the injured worker can, in fact, return to work. The second reason is that the injured worker’s employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company determines that the worker was not injured at the workplace, and, accordingly, stops workers’ compensation coverage. Thirdly, the injured worker’s employer’s insurance company determines, based on doctor’s reports, that the worker’s injury was caused due to a pre-existing condition, and not a workplace injury. Additionally, if the injured worker’s employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company determines that the injury was due to drugs or alcohol, workers’ compensation benefits may stop. These are not all of the reasons that workers’ compensation benefits might stop in Louisiana, but they are common reasons that injured workers on workers’ compensation should know about.
Does My Employer’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company Have to Give Me Notice that Payments Will Stop?
If a workers’ compensation insurance company determines that an injured worker’s workers’ compensation payments should stop, the insurance company should give notice to the injured worker. The notice should include the date upon which workers’ compensation benefits will stop and the reason that worker’s compensation benefits are being discontinued. Once an injured worker has received notice that their Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits are going to be discontinued, they can take next steps to resolve the situation. Injured workers who are not represented by a lawyer may want to contact the insurance company claims adjuster to discuss getting back on workers’ compensation benefits and resolve the issue of stopped payments. However, working with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer is the best option for successfully resolving issues with workers’ compensation benefits.
How to Get Help with Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you are an injured worker in Louisiana, consider reaching out to an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation attorney for help with your case. The experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe offer a free and confidential consultation to review your case and discuss your rights and options. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe today and speak with a lawyer about your case for free.
