Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Lafayette

Employees work hard every day to support their lifestyle. However, when one is injured on the job, he or she may be unable to work for a certain period of time. This is why most businesses in Louisiana have to carry workers’ compensation coverage, and it’s important for not only owners to be aware of the process, but employees as well.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we want to be your source for reliable information! If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, you may have a right to workers’ compensation. Read on to learn your legal options from our experienced Lafayette Workers Comp lawyers.

Proven Results of Our Lafayette Workers Comp Lawyers

With a remarkable track record of achieving over $3 Billion in total recoveries, our team at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys is a force to be reckoned with. Having an impressive tally of 200+ Personal Injury Million+ verdicts and settlements in personal injury cases, we consistently deliver justice for our clients.

What sets us apart is our 679+ years of combined legal experience. When you choose us, you’re not only backed by our G Guarantee but also by the legacy of excellence represented by Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys.

Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims in Lafayette

Since Louisiana depends heavily on industrial workers to maintain the economy, many workers’ comp claims in Lafayette and the surrounding areas are from industrial work.

Refinery workers, plant workers, and chemical workers are more likely to become injured on the job when compared to other industries due to the menacing nature of their work.

Even though there are known safety risks that inevitably come with most jobs, workers’ compensation is a system for employees with disrupted income due to their being injured on the job. In Lafayette, the following injuries are common in the workplace:

• Injuries caused by collisions with large or heavy objects
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Broken bones
• Head injuries including traumatic brain injuries
• Over-exertion caused by lifting, pushing, carrying, or pulling too much
• Repetitive motion injury
• Burns
• Crushing or compression injuries
• Eye injuries
• Catastrophic injuries including amputations
• Joint sprains and strains
• Accidents while driving
• Crushing or compression injuries
• Repetitive motion injury
• Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries that could lead to paralysis
• Heavy equipment malfunction
• Hearing loss
• Assaults and other violent acts

Lafayette Worker Compensation Benefits

MEDICAL BENEFITS INVOLVING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Employers are legally required to cover the medical care costs for job-related injuries in Lafayette. Injured workers are usually allowed to choose a doctor in the specialty area for their treatment. The employer will also be able to select a physician who will provide an additional medical opinion.

This can be a complex process, and the employer’s insurance company may try to limit coverage or hinder approval for medical tests and procedures. This can put your health and recovery in jeopardy. A Lafayette workers’ compensation attorney will make sure your best interests are represented and work alongside your medical providers to make sure you get the care you need.

VOCATIONAL RETRAINING AFTER A WORK INJURY

If you are unable to return to your previous work because of your injury, you may qualify for job retraining. Following a Functional Capacity Evaluation to assess your abilities, a vocational expert will help you find positions in Lafayette that remain within the boundaries of your work limitations.

What Workers’ Comp Coverage Can I Qualify For?

In Louisiana, there are four different versions of workers’ compensation that the law allows, depending on the seriousness of your injuries:

• Temporary total disability coverage is for when you’re completely unable to work during your recovery. As long as your doctor gives you a special certification, you can be eligible for this type of coverage.
  
  
• Temporary partial disability coverage is when you’re unable to perform specific job responsibilities, like operating big machinery and lifting heavy objects. Partial credit can also be given if you’re still able to work at a reduced capacity.
  
  
• Permanent partial disability benefits apply to the lasting effects of your accident. You could also be eligible for additional compensation above the physical impairment caused by your work injury.
  
  
• Total and permanent disability benefits can possibly cover costs dealing with permanent effects of your injury, such as surgeries, assistive equipment, therapy, and other expenses.

Steps to Get Compensation for a Lafayette Worker Compensation Claim

If you have experienced a work-related injury or illness in Lafayette, Louisiana, it’s crucial to understand the steps involved in obtaining fair compensation for your workers’ comp claim.

1. Report promptly: Inform your supervisor immediately about the incident or injury to preserve your claim’s validity.
   
   
2. Complete forms: Your employer will provide the necessary forms detailing the accident’s circumstances. Furnish accurate data about the event.
   
   
3. Get medical help: Seek medical attention promptly to document injuries and establish a claim foundation.
   
   
4. File on time: Submit completed paperwork to your employer’s insurance within deadlines, keeping copies for your records.
   

In some cases, your workers’ comp claim may be denied, or you may encounter difficulties in receiving fair compensation.

To navigate through the complexities of the claims process and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome, it is advisable to consult with a skilled and experienced Lafayette workers’ compensation attorney. They can fight on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

By understanding the steps involved and seeking appropriate legal assistance, you can increase the likelihood of obtaining fair compensation for your Lafayette workers’ comp claim. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyer to guide you through this process.

Starting a Workers’ Comp Claim

If you’ve been injured at your workplace in Lafayette, you can begin a workers’ compensation claim by submitting either a Form 1008 Disputed Claim for Compensation or a formal petition. If a claimant doesn’t want to use the Form 1008, then the following information should be disclosed in the petition:

• Names and addresses of the parties, at minimum.
• The specific compensation benefit that’s due.
• A statement of the time, place, nature, and cause of the injury.

Important Lafayette Workers’ Comp Regulations

In Louisiana, understanding the time limits for workers’ compensation is really important. According to the Louisiana Legislature website, if you get hurt at work, you have to tell your boss within 30 days and fill out a claim within a year from when the accident or injury happened. If you don’t do this on time, you might not get the benefits you’re supposed to.

These rules also cover getting money for disabilities caused by work-related injuries. If you have a temporary or permanent disability, you might be able to get benefits. And if someone dies because of something that happened at work, their family might be able to get death benefits.

If you get hurt while working in Lafayette, it’s important to talk to a Lafayette worker’s compensation lawyer who knows what they’re doing. They can guide you through the complex process of filing a workers’ compensation claim, help you understand what you’re supposed to get, and make sure you get all the benefits you should under Lafayette worker compensation laws.

Contact A Lafayette Workers Comp Lawyer Today

After being involved in a work-related injury in Lafayette, Louisiana, the clock starts ticking for when you can take action.

Regardless of how minor the injury may seem, it is crucial to report the accident or injury to your supervisor as soon as possible. Remember, work-related illnesses or diseases need to be filed within a year of the date that the disease manifests or the employee becomes disabled from working as a result of the disease.

If you have been denied your workers’ compensation benefits or just need help navigating the complex legal system, the Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys will go to work for you.

Call our Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers today at 337.448.4032 for a FREE consultation with one of our dependable Lafayette workers’ comp attorneys.