I Was Injured at Work in Louisiana, But I Don’t Know Who Was at Fault: Can I Still Get Workers’ Comp?
There is no doubt that for many injured Louisiana workers, getting hurt on the job can leave one overwhelmed, stressed, and unsure about what to do next. In the aftermath of a workplace accident, many Louisiana workers who have been seriously injured at work struggle to understand how workers’ compensation laws work or whether they qualify for benefits, especially if they do not know whether the accident was their fault or their employer’s fault. If you were injured at work in Louisiana, knowing your rights under the state’s workers’ compensation system and Louisiana workers’ compensation laws is the first step toward protecting yourself. Here we explain why you can still recover workers’ compensation benefits even if you do not know who is at fault in Louisiana.
Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Laws Explained
Workers’ compensation in the State of Louisiana exists to protect employees who get hurt while performing their job duties. The system is a “no-fault” system, meaning that you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent or otherwise at-fault in order to get benefits. In Louisiana, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ comp insurance. As such, if you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation may cover your medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits, even if no one was at fault or if the accident happened suddenly without warning.
Workers’ comp typically pays for emergency medical care, doctor visits, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment when needed. If your injury prevents you from working, you may qualify for indemnity benefits that replace part of your lost wages. Louisiana also provides benefits for workers who suffer permanent injuries or disabilities because of their job.
Navigating a Workers’ Comp Claim in Louisiana
The thing about Louisiana workers’ comp is that even though most workers are entitled to benefits, even without proving their employer did something wrong or was negligent, the process of obtaining them is not necessarily easy, and there are a number of steps that you must take. For example, if you get hurt at work, it is important to notify your employer as soon as possible. Louisiana requires workers to report their injury within a certain timeframe, and failing to do so can jeopardize your claim. After reporting the injury, you should seek medical treatment right away. Keep copies of all medical records, follow your doctor’s instructions, and document your symptoms and limitations. Even injuries that seem minor at first can become serious, so you should not wait to get care or assume you will feel better on your own. Now it is time to connect with an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer to help you with the next steps of the process.
Working with a Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The Louisiana workers’ comp process does not always go smoothly. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims, argue that the injury was not work-related, delay payments, or underestimate the severity of your condition. Some workers are pressured to return to work before they are medically ready.
An experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer can help by gathering evidence, dealing with the insurance adjuster, preparing the necessary paperwork, and fighting for a fair outcome. An experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer can also challenge an improper denial, help you secure the medical care you need, and represent you at hearings if your case requires it. The bottom line is that even if you do not know who is to blame for your workplace accident, you still may be entitled to Louisiana workers’ compensation benefits.
If you were injured in a serious workplace accident in Louisiana and you need legal help getting workers’ compensation benefits due to you, contact the experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.
