Accidents happen, as the saying goes. Workers’ compensation is a state benefit program for workers hurt on the job. Benefits include things like medical care, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation, and/or death benefits. You might have found that it is difficult to handle a workers’ compensation claim on your own. It is essential for you and your family to enlist the help of a qualified attorney to ensure that you get benefits.

Special laws, rules, and regulations exist for workplace accidents in the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act. Accordingly, Louisiana employers have to pay an employee injured on the job for medical care and lost wages.  The Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) monitors these claims.

For example, some common accidents that cause injuries on the job are things like slips and falls. There are also occupational illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or hearing loss. Occupational illnesses are under the Louisiana Worker’s Compensation Act. An occupational illness can be just as devastating as a work-related injury. An experienced attorney can help you determine if you have a compensable work-related illness.

Who is covered under Workers’ Compensation?

Most often, an employer’s insurance company assigns a claims adjuster to decide what benefits an employee will receive. Above all else, adjusters have the interests of their company in mind. It is important to have an attorney representing your interests.

The Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess have skill and experience in worker’s compensation cases. Perhaps you are unsure if you want to file claim outside of the worker’s compensation system. Even then, it is vital to speak with an experienced attorney. Our attorneys will protect your rights when representing you. Most importantly, our staff will know what type of medical services and compensation you should receive for your injury.

Sometimes a mild injury can have far-reaching effects or unexpectedly become worse over time. Perhaps you might end up with unexpected on-going medical expenses. Your estimated recovery time could be much longer than anticipated by your worker’s compensation claim. This will affect your livelihood and the lives of your family in unforeseen ways. Please consider working with our staff so that these unpredictable outcomes don’t happen to you. Don’t Delay, Call Clay!

When should I talk to an attorney?

If your workplace injury is minor and your employer is cooperative, there is usually no need to get a lawyer involved. However, not all cases are that simple. You will want to contact our offices if you encounter any type of complexity in your claim.

Your worst case scenario is that you experience retaliation or intimidation for filing a worker’s compensation claim. This might be in the form of losing hours at work, being demoted, being fired, or other types of harassment at your workplace. Employers may use these against you. If you encounter any of behaviors, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Some employers will deny most claims to save money. Or, employers will delay paying benefits in hopes that people will give up and not challenge a decision with an appeal. Some work-related injuries are so severe that you cannot return to your job or return to work at all. These cases are very expensive for employers and insurance companies. An experienced attorney can help you decide what is best for you and your circumstances.  They can make sure you get compensation for permanent injuries.

Who is covered under Workers’ Compensation?

Most Louisiana employees are eligible for workers’ compensation the day they start working for an employer.  Workers who are eligible include full-time, part-time, minors under the age of 18 and seasonal workers. Some of the time, independent contractors and subcontractors are regular employees, depending on their individual employment circumstances.

Workers who are not eligible for workers’ compensation are:

1.Real Estate Salespeople
2.Domestic employees
3.Volunteer Workers
4.Public Officials
5.Workers of non-profit organizations