Getting injured on the job is a worker’s worst nightmare. However, state and federal workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees from harm. If you’re hurt while working, you should be able to get compensation from your employer’s worker’s comp insurance to help you cover the cost of medical care and a portion of your lost wages.
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always play fair. Their goal is not necessarily to help you, but to minimize the amount they have to pay. If you’ve been injured while working, you need to seek help from a workers’ compensation attorney in Houma to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
What Your Workers’ Compensation Should Cover
There are several types of harms that your workers’ compensation payout should cover. These damages include:
- Cost of required physical therapy after your accident
- Medical care costs
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Wages lost as a result of your injury
For a full list of compensable damages and answers to frequently asked questions about Houma workers’ compensation claims, check out the official website of the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
For a free legal consultation with a Workers' Compensation lawyer serving Houma, call (985) 900-1195
Time Limits for Your Houma Workers’ Compensation Claim
There are many laws and regulations surrounding workers’ compensation in Louisiana. Some of the most important laws to remember are the ones that set deadlines for filing workers’ compensation claims.
You have 30 days from the date of your accident to notify your employer of your injury on the job. Once they have been informed of the situation, your employer must provide notice to their insurance company and the Louisiana Workforce Commission within ten days.
Importantly, Louisiana Revised Statutes (RS) §23:303 authorizes civil lawsuits if you have a cause of action against your employer (for example, for unsafe work conditions or discrimination). The deadline for filing a civil lawsuit is set at one year from the date of your injury.
Evidence to Include in Your Houma Workers’ Compensation Claim
When filing a claim, the more evidence you provide, the more likely it is that you will receive the proper compensation package. A successful claim should have evidence of your employment, your injuries, and the costs associated with those injuries.
Showing Your Employment
Only workers covered under the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance will be able to receive compensation. Usually, this means that you must show that you are a full-time worker rather than a part-time employee or freelancer. Your contract and pay stubs can provide this evidence.
Documenting Your Injuries
Doctors’ notes, medical records, X-rays, and additional healthcare data all help to show the extent of your injuries. Also, the damages for which you can receive compensation include other items, like lost income. To prove that, you can use your last pay stub or salary as evidence of the amount of money you will likely lose during your recovery period.
Proving Medical Costs
Evidence of your medical costs includes doctors’ and emergency room bills, physical therapy bills, and additional paperwork that shows all the expenses of the care you are receiving. By turning to a Houma workers’ compensation lawyer, you can be sure that your claim includes all the evidence you need.
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Filing a Lawsuit After Your Houma Workers’ Compensation Accident
While our workers’ compensation lawyers in Houma can help you file your initial claim properly, we’re also ready to take your case to court if you are not provided the compensation you deserve.
Additionally, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against at-fault parties that caused your accident. These parties can include:
- Third-party companies or contractors
- Product manufacturers (if your injury is caused by a faulty product)
- Your employer (if your injury is caused by egregious negligence and unsafe conditions)
However, Louisiana’s workers’ compensation law is complex. Get a free consultation on your case with our skilled workers’ compensation lawyers service Houma in order to assess all your legal options.
Talk to Houma Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
If you have been injured on the job, it’s crucial that you get the care and compensation you deserve. Speak with one of our highly trained and experienced Houma workers’ compensation attorneys today.
You can schedule a free consultation by calling us or by filling out the form on our contact page. Call us at (985) 900-1195 or visit our Houma office at 1 Church Street, Houma, LA 70364.
Questions?Call (985) 900-1195
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
