Workers' Compensation Lawyer in Lafayette

In Louisiana, most businesses are required to have workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees who get injured on the job. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, it’s important to understand how this coverage works.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we’re here to be your go-to resource for all things workers’ comp. If you’ve been hurt at work, you could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Our Lafayette workers’ comp lawyers are ready to walk you through your legal options and help you get the support you need.

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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.

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Lafayette?

In Louisiana, workers’ compensation covers most employees—whether they work full-time, part-time, or seasonally. But certain roles, like domestic workers, real estate agents, public officials, and some nonprofit directors, don’t qualify. 

If you’re injured on the job, you can usually claim benefits, no matter who’s at fault—unless the injury was intentional or you were intoxicated. If you are not sure if you qualify turn to a Lafayette workers’ comp lawyer for help.

Independent Contractors

• Independent contractors usually aren’t eligible for workers’ comp. However, if your employer controls how you do your work, you may be misclassified and actually qualify for benefits. When in doubt, consult an attorney.

Offsite Injuries

• Commuting injuries aren’t covered, but work-related activities like business trips may be. If you’re unsure, a Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyer can help clarify your case.

Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims in Lafayette

Since Louisiana depends heavily on industrial workers to maintain the economy, many workers’ comp claims near Broussard 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 near Abbeville 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.

How to Start a Workers’ Comp Claim in Lafayette

If you’ve been hurt at work in Lafayette, getting your workers’ comp claim started is as simple as filing a Form 1008 Disputed Claim for Compensation or submitting a formal petition. If you choose the petition make sure it includes:

• Names and addresses of everyone involved
• The specific benefits you’re asking for
• A brief statement about when, where, and how the injury happened

What If My Workers’ Comp Claim Gets Denied?

Don’t panic if your claim is denied—you can fight it. You’re entitled to a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge if:

• Your claim was denied
• You’re receiving less than what you’re owed
• Your payments were delayed
• Your medical treatments were denied
• Eligible expenses weren’t covered

A seasoned Lafayette workers’ comp lawyer can help you navigate the process and make sure you get the benefits you deserve.

Important Lafayette Workers’ Comp Regulations

In Louisiana, timing is everything when it comes to workers’ compensation.

• If you’re hurt on the job, you need to report the injury to your employer within 30 days and file your claim within one year. Missing these deadlines could cause you to lose your chance at benefits.
  

• This also covers disability benefits for both temporary and permanent injuries. And in the tragic event of a work-related death, the worker’s family may be eligible for death benefits.

If you’re injured on the job near Scott, Youngsville, or any of Lafayette’s surrounding communities, talking to a workers’ comp lawyer is a smart move. They’ll guide you through the process, explain your rights, and help you get the benefits you’re owed under Louisiana law.

Contact A Workers Comp Lawyer Near Youngsville

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. 

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.

Lafayette Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me

337.448.4032