Baton Rouge Workers’ Compensation
A Baton Rouge workers’ compensation lawyer at Lavis Law is here to help if you have suffered an on-the-job injury or illness. The laws in Louisiana entitle you to workers’ compensation benefits when you are harmed in the course of your employment, but it is common for workers to need a lawyer to help them obtain full benefits.
About Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Generally, whenever a worker is injured on the job, he or she is entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are available when an employee is diagnosed with an illness due to workplace toxins; when a repetitive stress condition such as carpal tunnel develops; or when an accident happens either off-site or at the normal place of business.
You are not required to prove that your employer was negligent in order to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. As long as it is clear that your injury is job-related, you should be entitled to:
- Full coverage of medical expenses : You should have 100 percent of all medical treatment costs covered for care you require due to your workplace accident or illness.
- Temporary disability benefits : If your injury or illness causes you to miss days of work, then you should receive partial lost wages based on your earnings before you were disabled (up to maximum state limits). In some cases, you may be able to work but not at the same job or not as often. When this occurs, you can receive partial benefits to compensate for the reduction in your earning potential.
- Permanent disability benefits : When you have reached maximum medical improvement or your temporary disability benefits have ended, then you may qualify for permanent disability benefits if your illness or injury continues to persist. Permanent benefits may be paid for both full and partial disabilities.
- Death benefits : Dependents whose loved ones were killed at work or due to a workplace illness may receive death benefits through workers’ compensation.
How a Baton Rouge Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
Although the laws in Louisiana try to provide comprehensive protection for workers, not all employers or workers’ compensation insurers cooperate. It is common for legitimate claims to be delayed or denied; for insurers to refuse to cover necessary medical treatments; or for employers and insurers to try to make you return to work before you have recovered.
A Baton Rouge workers’ compensation lawyer can help with your claim and protect your rights. Do not sign anything or agree to give up any of your rights until you have talked to a lawyer. It is also important to speak with a legal professional right away if your benefits are denied. Lavis Law is here to help, so call today to schedule a free consultation.