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What’s the first thing you should do when you’re hurt on the job? How do you make a workers’ comp claim? Do you need a lawyer to help you?

It’s always important to tell your employer about your injury right away. That’s what starts the process for you to get workers’ comp benefits.

If you work in Louisiana or Mississippi, and you’re hurt on the job, you’re entitled to workers’ comp benefits.

Workers’ comp is like a compromise between employees and employers: You get benefits fast when you’re hurt at work – and they don’t get sued.

But sometimes it doesn’t work like it should.

How soon do your workers’ comp benefits start? How long do they last?

All your medical expenses should be covered immediately. You should get paid for some of your lost wages quickly. You should keep getting checks until your doctor says you can work again.

But your employer or their insurance company might try to push you off benefits before you’re ready.

When you’ve been hurt at work – and you’re Too Hurt To Work^TM – you need financial help to get through a difficult time.

Workers’ comp has three kinds of benefits:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Job reorientation

But not all workers’ comp benefits are created equal.

Which of your expenses will workers’ comp pay for? How much does a workers’ comp lawyer cost?

You should get reimbursed for costs you have to pay up front in order to receive medical care. Your lawyer should only collect a fee after your benefit checks start coming in.

Can you choose your own doctor to treat your injury? How do you find a doctor who understands workers’ comp? How does the doctor get paid? What happens if different workers’ comp doctors disagree with each other?

Just like lawyers need to understand the special legal system under workers’ comp, doctors need to understand special rules for medical treatment.