
Workers’ compensation benefits exist to help you out when you are injured performing your job duties. Here are some of the top things to know about it:
The work injury must be reported. In most scenarios, Louisiana law stipulates that a work injury must be reported to the employer within 30 days. It is a good idea to notify your employer as soon as you are injured.
It pays pre-determined benefits. Workers’ compensation pays for medical care specific to the injury. It also replaces a portion of your lost wages while you are unable to work (temporary and permanent total disability benefits). There are also death benefits, mileage reimbursement, vocational rehabilitation and burial expenses included in Louisiana workers’ comp.
Catastrophic injury benefits may be included. A lump sum of money may be awarded for catastrophic job injuries. Examples include third-degree burns on a significant portion of your body, paraplegia, loss of two extremities or loss of both eyes.
Occupational diseases are also covered. Sometimes a job doesn’t cause an acute physical injury but instead causes disease. These conditions must be linked to hazardous work conditions. Examples include COPD, dermatitis and asthma.
Workers’ comp claims bar a lawsuit against your employer. Workers’ comp is insurance, not a lawsuit. Workers’ comp does not allow you to hold your employer at fault for your injury as you would in a lawsuit. It’s no-fault insurance.
Retaliation is illegal. An employer cannot terminate an employee because the employee filed a workers’ compensation claim.
A lawyer can help you secure the full benefits you are due. Although getting your benefits is not a lawsuit, an attorney can still be a valuable asset. J. Ransdell Keene has helped victims of work injury by ensuring that the employer’s insurance company actually pays the benefit the injured is owed. It is not uncommon for insurers to try to deny the claim. The attorney can also help you file the claim and appeal denied claims.
If you were injured on the job and live in or around Shreveport, LA, please call the law firm of J. Ransdell Keene at 318-480-0000, or contact us online.