What Is Workers’ Compensation And How Does It Work In Louisiana?

After being injured on the job, filing for workers’ compensation in Louisiana and other states may seem like a daunting task. The first thing that any injured worker in Louisiana and other states should do is contact an experienced and skilled Louisiana workers’ compensation attorney, such as the lawyers at Lunsford, Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. However, it is also helpful to know some of the basics and ins-and-outs of the Louisiana workers’ compensation system even before a consultation with a lawyer.

Workers’ Compensation in Louisiana 

At the very basic level, workers’ compensation in Louisiana and other states acts like an insurance system, where neither part is necessarily “at fault”. The purpose of the workers’ compensation system is to provide monetary benefits (such as money for medical care and lost wages) to workers who have suffered an injury or illness on the job and in the course of their employment for their employer. The employer of the injured worker typically pays monetary benefits to the injured worker, and the employer’s insurance carrier will typically cover the expenses of the injured worker seeking workers’ compensation benefits. Typical medical services that may be covered include doctor’s office visits, medications and prescriptions, medical imaging (such as x-rays and MRI’s), necessary therapies, and even in some cases necessary medical device expenses.

Revised Statute 23:1020.1 establishes the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Law. Though there are some exceptions, the law establishes that the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Law is set up in order to provide for timely payment of both temporary and permanent disability benefits to injured workers who suffered from their injury in the course of their work on the job. A major goal of the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Law is to return injured workers who have sought and received workers’ compensation benefits back to work.

I was Injured on the Job. Should I Speak with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer? 

One of the most common questions injured workers may be asking themselves once they have suffered a workplace injury is “Should I speak with a workers’ compensation attorney?” Although a workers’ compensation case can seem complex and difficult at first, the answer is actually quite simple: absolutely, yes! It is important for Louisiana workers to speak with an experienced Louisiana & Mississippi workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible after a workplace injury or illness has occurred to learn their rights, time limits, and next steps if they wish to proceed with seeking and obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation lawyers at our office offer a free and confidential consultation, and are ready to speak to you today about your injury or illness, options, and the workers’ compensation process in Louisiana. Contact us today for help.

Source:

legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=814789