Every year, millions of people are injured on the job around the country. Many of these workplace injuries occur right here in Baton Rouge. If you are hurt while working, you could be eligible to receive benefits through the Louisiana workers’ compensation program, as mandated by Revised Statute (RS) 23:1020.1.
A Baton Rouge workers’ compensation lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm may be able to help you pursue these benefits. We can help you with filing a workers’ compensation claim or by challenging a dispute with your claim from your employer or an insurance company.
A man cringes with pain as he holds his injured knee in the workplace. A workers’ compensation attorney in Baton Rouge can help file a claim.
Events That Lead to Workplace Injuries
Accidents may occur for any reason in the workplace in Baton Rouge. Some common types of workplace accidents include:
Events Related to Overexertion
Overexertion injuries could occur in many scenarios, including desk work. You could experience these injuries if you perform repetitive motions on the job or if you are required to lift and lower heavy loads. These injuries could damage your back, knees, shoulders, hands, or wrists, or other areas of the body.
Events Involving Equipment or Objects
Many workers throughout the country are also hurt if they are hit by moving equipment. Workers may also become stuck or caught in equipment, especially in manufacturing jobs. Finally, you could be crushed or hurt if a structure or object falls down on you from above.
Events Involving Falls
Falling is a serious concern in workplaces throughout Louisiana. You could slip and fall at any time. These accidents could result in broken bones and head injuries. You may be hurt if you slip and fall only a few feet, or from a greater height while you are on the job.
For a free legal consultation with a Workers Compensation lawyer serving Baton Rouge, call 800-537-8185
Benefits Provided by Your Employer After a Workplace Injury
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to replace some of the wages you would have earned if you were physically capable of working. However, workers’ comp is not designed to supply you with 100% of your wages. Generally, it provides you with a percentage of your average monthly earnings.
Your employer may also need to cover your medical bills after an on-the-job accident for things such as emergency medical care, surgeries, a hospital stay, rehabilitation, and medication. Employers may also be required to help you cover the costs of additional job training or education if you can’t return to your previous career after a workplace accident.
A lawyer may be able to help you understand your legal options and apply for the full range of workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace accident.
Types of Workers’ Compensation You May Qualify For
Depending on your injuries and your occupation, you may be eligible for different types of coverage, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Reimbursement for travel to and from your treatment
- Disability benefits based on lost wages
- Training for a new job if you’re unable to perform your duties in your current role, as outlined by the Louisiana Workforce Commission
- A schedule of benefits payments for permanent and catastrophic disabilities
- Death benefits to surviving family members
During your initial consultation, a personal injury attorney in Baton Rouge will be able to assess your situation and see what benefits you may be eligible for.
You May Qualify for Disability
In many cases involving workplace injuries, you may be able to recover from the accident after receiving medical care and rehabilitation services. However, while you are recovering, you could be eligible to receive temporary disability benefits.
Benefits may exist for both partial disability, where you can complete some work tasks, and total disability, where you can complete none. There may also be permanent disability options if your injuries affect your ability to work permanently.
Click to contact our Baton Rouge Personal Injury Lawyers today
What You Should Do for a Successful Workers’ Comp Claim
While no two workers’ compensation cases are the same, there are some steps that every injured worker should take for their claim. These include:
- Report the injury to your employer
- Go to the doctor to determine for diagnosis and treatment
- Keep detailed records of your report, any letters from your employer or insurance company, and any completed forms
- Attend any scheduled meetings and appointments
- Contact a Baton Rouge workers’ compensation attorney
These steps are a step in the right direction, but the experience of a personal injury lawyer can mean the difference between a successful settlement and a denied claim.
Never Do These Things if You Want to Win Your Workers’ Comp Case
Just as there are steps you can take to help your claim, there are also pitfalls to avoid. Things you should not do if you want a successful workers’ compensation claim include:
- Giving a recorded or written statement before speaking to your attorney
- Signing any document provided by your employer or the insurance company before speaking to your workers’ compensation lawyer
- Exaggerating injuries or symptoms to your doctor
- Leaving out past injuries or symptoms in a medical exam
- Missing medical or legal appointments
- Quitting your job after suffering an injury at work.
Insurance companies want to pay out as little money as possible for injured employees. Talk to a skilled attorney before saying anything that could reduce your settlement.
A Lawyer Can Help You with a Contested Claim
Unfortunately, sometimes employers or insurance companies dispute a worker’s compensation claim or do not cooperate in good faith with an injured worker. If this is happening in your case, a Baton Rouge workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to take over the communications and negotiations when we represent you.
We can also help you appeal a wrongful denial of workers’ compensation benefits. We can investigate your case and defend your rights while you concentrate on your recovery.
Call Morris Bart, LLC for a Free Consultation on Your Case
Were you hurt on the job in Baton Rouge? If so, a Baton Rouge workers’ compensation lawyer from the Morris Bart law firm may be able to help you file a workers’ compensation claim or appeal a denial.
Contact us today for a free consultation on your case with a member of our team. We can discuss your case and your legal options with a free, no-obligation case consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
