Louisiana Workers Compensation Attorney: Proper Filing Process

The free and easy access to information using the internet is beneficial to everyone, including workers who want to be aware of their rights. However, there is a downside to this: many injured workers believe that they can handle their workers compensation claim without legal assistance. In reality, hiring a Louisiana workers compensation attorney is your best chance to make sure that your claim is handled expertly and you win the benefits you deserve.

Unfortunately, there are many pitfalls during the process of filing a workers compensation claim. In some cases, the injured worker makes innocent mistakes that may hurt their case. In other instances, the insurance company representing their employer uses unethical tactics to deny their claims. These are not apparent to the average person. But a Louisiana workers compensation attorney can easily spot these tactics and put a stop to them.

Also, you don’t have to worry about legal fees – our law firm offers each new client a free case review. Thus, you can afford to hear an experienced lawyer’s opinion about the merits of your case.

A Lawyer Will Find Out If You Are Eligible to File a Workers Compensation Claim

One of the first issues that a lawyer can help you with is finding out whether you are covered by Louisiana workers compensation laws. Some categories of workers are exempt from this compensation scheme:

• Domestic workers
• Real estate sales persons
• Public officials
• Uncompensated officers and directors of non-profit organizations.

Also, independent contractors are not covered by the workers compensation scheme. However, an experienced Louisiana workers compensation attorney can identify situations when a person was incorrectly classified as an independent contractor, when in fact they are an employee.

Since you benefit from a free case review, no matter what you believe your employment situation to be, you should discuss your chances of getting compensation for your work related injury.

Reasons to Have a Legal Representation during a Workers Compensation Claim Process

People with lawyers have higher chances to win the maximum compensation they deserve – either in personal injury cases or in a workers compensation claim. These are some of the things a Louisiana workers compensation attorney will help you with:

1. Fill In the Accident Report Form Correctly

It is crucial to fill in and submit First Report of Injury form on time and accurately. Insurance companies are looking for the slightest mistake, contradiction of statements or inconsistencies to deny your claim.

Some injured workers are still recovering from severe injuries when the deadline to submit the form expires – 30 days after the date of the accident. If you hire a lawyer, they can make sure that your report is duly filled in and submitted and free of errors.

2. Help You Decide Between Reaching a Settlement of Completing the Claims Process

If you go through with a workers compensation claim, you will be constantly monitored by the insurance company. They will check whether you are going to the doctor and if you refill your prescription. They will even check if you are doing sports, gardening or other activities that would be in contradiction with the injuries you claim you suffered from.

The other option is to settle your claim by accepting a lump sum. If you suffered minor to average injuries and you expect to be able to return to work in a short time, this may be a simpler and more stress-free choice. However, you will need a Louisiana workers compensation attorney to look over this offer and make sure that you are getting a fair deal.

3. Prevent You from Answering Misleading Questions

As part of the workers compensation claim, you will have to answer an insurance adjuster’s questions. Adjusters are notorious for the way in which they try to get claimants to contradict themselves or make self-incriminatory statements. To this end, they ask misleading or otherwise inacceptable questions.

You have the right to have a lawyer by your side during this interview and you should definitely bring your Louisiana workers compensation attorney. They will prevent you from answering any such misleading questions.

4. Explain to You How to Act during the Independent Medical Examination

Your employer has the right to request an independent medical examination by their approved healthcare professional. Many workers are afraid that this doctor will downplay their injuries. While they are, indeed, paid by your employer, they are still a doctor who took Hippocrates’ oath. They will not jeopardize your health and wellbeing to satisfy your employer’s requests.

However, you should also be polite, honest and cooperative during this examination. Your lawyer will explain to you what you should expect during this appointment and how to make a good impression.

5. Give You Any Explanations You Need during the Claims Process

Each workers compensation claim is different and each worker’s circumstances are different. For example:

• You hold two jobs to make ends meet
• You consider taking a part-time job to compensate for lost wages while you are recovering
• You are thinking about looking for a new job while you are out on workers’ comp.

Before you act in any manner, ask your Louisiana workers compensation attorney if it is advisable. In some cases, your workers comp benefits will be stopped. In other, your employer may sue you and demand the repayment of replacement wages. Never make a decision without asking for legal advice.

Let a Louisiana Workers Compensation Attorney Win Your Claim!

Louisiana Workers Compensation Lawyers is a law firm dedicated to helping every injured worker file a workers compensation claim successfully. We analyze each case carefully, and sometimes we can find solutions where none appear to exist. 

We encourage you to schedule an initial appointment and bring all the relevant documents with you. An experienced attorney will look over them and tell you if you have a case. In this case, we will represent you and help you get compensation for your medical costs and lost wages. Call now to schedule a free case review: 504-420-2755!