In 2020, approximately 4,764 fatal injuries were reported in different workplaces across the United States. Getting injured at your workplace can lead to weeks, months, or years of missed working time that translates to medical bills and lost wages.
At Morris Bart LLC, we know how you feel when an injury keeps you away from your workplace and you struggle with personal living expenses and healthcare costs. Our Marrero worker’s compensation lawyers will do everything possible to help you secure compensation benefits after unexpected illness or injury on the job.
Who Is Eligible for Worker’s Compensation in Marrero
Louisiana workers’ compensation law aims at protecting part-time, seasonal, temporary, and most full-time employees for their initial day of employment. Compensations can also apply to independent contractors and some subcontractors. You may be eligible for compensation in the following cases:
- An unforeseen or unexpected event leading to a workplace injury. This includes slip-and-fall accidents and heavy lifting accidents.
- Illnesses that are caused by toxic exposure. Louisiana law defines occupational diseases as an illness that results from a specific trade where the worker gets exposed to certain toxins, like asbestos, while on regular duty.
- Mental injuries due to physical injuries such as being involved in a work-related accident leading to permanent paralysis.
Note that you can still receive workers’ benefits even if your carelessness or inexperience played a part in causing the injuries. However, there are a few exceptions to the no-fault workers’ compensation system. For instance, if a worker was intoxicated or willfully caused the accident, workers’ compensation might not apply.
For a free legal consultation with a Worker's Compensation lawyer serving Marrero, call 800-537-8185
What to Do After a Workplace Injury or Accident
In case of a workplace accident, follow these steps to maximize your chances for compensation:
Report the Incident Immediately
The first step should be reporting the incident as soon as possible. Even if it’s just a minor accident that results in a minor injury, make sure your supervisor documents the incident to protect your eligibility for workers’ compensation.
Although you can report your injury in 30 days, it’s always best to inform your supervisor immediately. Your supervisor will also prepare a ‘First Report on Injury.’ Make sure you have a copy of the report.
Get Medical Care
See a doctor for an evaluation of your injuries. Ensure you document all your healthcare activities to demonstrate how the accident physically affected your life. This will also give you an estimate of the compensation to expect for health care.
Consult a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Whether it’s a severe or minor incident, an experienced attorney can guide you on the best way to handle your case. A legal expert will also help you maximize the chances of receiving fair workers’ compensation.
Benefits You Can Get After a Work Injury or Illness in Marrero
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to different types of benefits, including:
Wage Replacement
You are entitled to wage replacement benefits for the duration you cannot work. Generally, these benefits should be about two-thirds of your average weekly wage or the annual state-approved maximum.
Medical Treatment
You have a right to get all necessary medical services for your injuries. This includes medical prescriptions, future visits to your doctor, chiropractic treatment, and more.
Mileage
Your employer should compensate you for the mileage costs incurred while traveling to and from the hospital. Ensure you have detailed records of the amounts you spent on mileage to get proper reimbursement.
Disability Payments
Some severe workplace accidents can lead to permanent disability, and you may be unable to get a similar job that matches your qualifications or education. In such cases, you should receive disability payments.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Other injuries can reduce your ability to earn the same wages you received before the accident. Your employer should provide vocational rehabilitation services such as retraining programs.
Supplemental Earning Benefits
In cases where you can go back to work, but you earn less than 90% of the income before the injury, your employer can provide supplemental earnings benefits. These benefits should cover approximately two-thirds of the difference between your new earnings and your previous income.
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How Can a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer in Marrero Help You?
A skilled and experienced Marrero workers’ compensation lawyer can help you in the following ways:
Improve Your Negotiations with the Insurer
Dealing with the insurance company is one of the most difficult aspects of a workers’ compensation claim. Insurers use their legal team to try and convince you to accept lower compensation.
When you have a lawyer by your side, they will guide you through every step of the legal process and ensure that you receive a fair payout.
Dealing with Legal Issues
Some workers’ compensation cases can be more complex than others. For instance, you may be pursuing your case then discover that a third party, besides your employer, contributed to the accident at your workplace. Your lawyer will guide you on the best way to handle the proceeding against both entities.
Better Representation in Court
If your case proceeds to trial, it will be challenging to represent yourself. Note that the insurer’s attorneys will use your lack of legal knowledge to their advantage for such cases. Therefore, you need a competent lawyer to help you maneuver through the judicial system and get your deserved settlement.
Seek Legal Assistance with a Worker’s Compensation Attorney in Marrero
Have you suffered an unexpected illness or injury at your workplace? Our experienced Marrero workers’ compensation attorneys will protect your legal rights and help you secure rightful compensation. We’ll guide you through each step of your case as you focus on recovery from your injuries.
Contact Morris Bart LLC for a free case evaluation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
