Workplace Injuries

Our Baton Rouge Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help

As reported by New Orleans City Business, Louisiana is one of the safer states in the country to work in today. Rates of non-fatal work accidents and injuries are much lower than the national average. That being said, Louisiana workers continue to have work-related injuries.

The most common injuries and illnesses for workers in Louisiana are sprains and strains to the neck and back. Often these injuries happen through contact with an object or equipment. Floors, walkways and ground surfaces are the most common source of injuries that result in time away from work.

While workplace accidents tend to be higher in certain professions, a workplace injury can occur in any setting or profession. Workers involved in a workplace accident with injuries may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to get all those benefits from your employer’s insurer. Because of this, it can be very helpful to consult with a Baton Rouge workers’ comp attorney following your workplace injury.

Does Your Workplace Injury Qualify for Work Injury Compensation?

Workplace injuries can be caused by a single specific event (such as a fall), or a repetitive injury (such as hearing loss from loud noise in the workplace). Neck and back injuries can occur from either a single event or from constant repetitive motions. Louisiana—like all other states—has what is known as a no-fault workers’ compensation system. There is no need to show your employer was careless or negligent. You are entitled to benefits if you were hurt on the job.

What Benefits are Available for a Work Injury?

The facts of your claim and severity of your injuries will determine the workers’ compensation benefits for which you or your loved ones are eligible. Those benefits include:

• Medical expenses for your workplace accident
• Temporary total disability benefits, permanent disability benefits or catastrophic injury benefits if your workplace accident left you unable to work for a period of time—or forever  
• Job training and education benefits if you are unable to return to your regular job
• Survivor benefits for fatal workplace accidents

Reporting a Workplace Injury

In the state of Louisiana, you must report your workplace accident or the discovery of a work-related injury to your employer within 30 days. This is an important deadline to meet to be eligible to receive benefits. Missing this deadline could result in the loss of some of or all your workers’ compensation benefits. You must submit your notice in writing, and the notice of workplace-related injury or illness must be signed and must include specific information. It can be beneficial to get help from a Baton Rouge workers’ compensation attorney at the beginning of this process. Experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can guide you through the process, giving you the best chance for securing a positive outcome.

Contact Our Baton Rouge Workers’ Comp Attorney Today

At Mitchell & Associates, APLC, our Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers know that injured workers need someone on their side from the very start. We can help you obtain the benefits you are entitled to after a serious workplace accident. Call us at (504) 226-6530 for a free initial consultation. With offices in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, we are here when you need us most.