Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means you don’t have to prove anyone did anything wrong for compensation. However, Louisiana’s workers’ comp system is complicated, and insurance companies don’t make it easy. You’re entitled to real benefits meant to carry you through recovery. We fight to make sure you get every dollar Louisiana law allows.

Workers’ compensation benefits are intended to provide financial protection to help offset expenses if you are unable to work due to an injury suffered at work. Louisiana workers’ compensation protects most full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers from the start of their employment. Additionally, some subcontractors and independent contractors may be entitled to compensation for your on-the-job injury.

If you are hurt on-the-job, you may be entitled to benefits for:

Heavy lifting and slips and falls are some of the most common types of injuries for workers’ compensation claims.

Extraordinary stress stemming from employment. For example, PTSD that occurs from witnessing a robbery or being involved in an accident that led to permanent paralysis.

Occupational illnesses and diseases arising from exposure at the workplace, particularly at the industrial workplaces common in Louisiana’s economy. Occupational diseases are defined by Louisiana law and include disease or illness that is caused by conditions characteristic of the particular trade in which the employee was exposed.

The events that caused the injury must be within the scope of the employee’s duties. This does not mean that you must be directly engaged in a work-related activity at the time of injury. The scope of one’s employment is more broadly defined, and can include any instances where you are on the clock, sent on a mission by an employer, or traveling to and from job locations. These are fact-intensive inquiries our experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation attorneys can assist you with.

Louisiana law requires nearly all employers with one or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If they do not, the employer can be liable for fines and operational bans. Importantly for you, this may subject the employer to a loss of the “exclusive remedy” protection of workers’ compensation for your injuries.

Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system provides for the availability of several different types of benefits, depending on the unique severity and circumstances of your injury and medical condition.

Those benefits may include:

Every doctor visit, hospital bill, medicine, and treatment your injury requires, including chiropractic care, physical therapy, and surgeries.

Getting to and from medical appointments costs money. We make sure you’re paid back for the miles.

You shouldn’t lose everything just because you can’t work right now. You’re entitled to two-thirds of your average pay while you recover.

Going back to work but earning less than before? We can help you get the difference made up.

If your injury means you can’t do your old job anymore, we help you get access to retraining so you can earn a living again.

If you’re not able to work at all going forward, we fight to get you the compensation you’re owed.

Whether your workplace injury just happened or occurred several days ago, these steps can protect your health and your case:

Tell your supervisor right away, even if the pain feels minor. Louisiana law gives you only 30 days from the incident to report — wait too long and you could lose your right to benefits.

In an emergency, you can choose care right away from any hospital or doctor.. For non-emergency care, you can choose any provider approved to treat your workers’ compensation injuries. Any non-emergency medical services over $750 any non-emergency hospitalization must be pre-approved by the employer or its workers’ compensation insurer. Your health comes first, and your medical records help prove your case.

Make sure your employer files a “First Report of Injury” (Form WCIA-1) with the Louisiana Workforce Commission within 10 days of notice of the on-the-job injury. Keep a copy for yourself. The insurer will submit the report to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA).

We’ll review your case at no cost and explain your options.

Our workplace injury attorneys have spent decades helping victims get their lives back on track. We know how to build cases that get results. See the entire team.

Richard J. Arsenault

Michael S. Koch

Wesley J. Gralapp

Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system is difficult to navigate. Insurance companies often look for reasons to deny claims or minimize payouts. We know the formulas and the guidelines required to maximize your benefits and defeat these tactics.

We have recovered over $10 billion for Our Clients in cases involving serious injuries. We understand the various levels of appeal procedures and know how to build a case that wins, even if your initial claim was denied.

Being hurt at work is stressful and frightening. We treat you like family, handle the legal fight, and will even come to you if your injuries prevent you from traveling to our Alexandria office.

Common Questions

Can I still receive benefits if I caused the accident?
Yes. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. You can receive benefits even if your own actions caused or contributed to the injury, provided you were not intoxicated or acting willfully at the time.

What if my claim was already denied?
We are here to help. Our legal team understands the various levels of appeal procedures and will work to help you receive the settlement you deserve.

Do I have to pay you upfront?
No. Cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless you win your case, and our fees come out of that settlement or judgment amount.

What if I was in a car accident while working?
You may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits, which can help cover pain, suffering, and property damage.