Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Louisville, KY

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Louisville, Kentucky?

  Call either 502-574-2111 or 502-574-7111 if you need police assistance in Louisville non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Louisville, Kentucky?

  Reports can be obtained from the Public Service Counter of the police station at 701 West Ormsby Avenue Suite 001 in Louisville. You can also access incident reports online using this link: https://louisville-police.org/189/Get-a-Police-Report Each report costs $10. MasterCard, Visa, Discover Card, American Express, and PayPal are all acceptable forms of payment. If you need more information, call 502-574-6857 during regular office hours.

• What kinds of workers are not covered by workers' compensation in Louisville?

  Domestic workers, legitimate independent contractors, and agricultural workers are usually not covered by workers' compensation in Louisville. Charitable workers and those that perform work in another person's home for less than 20 days cannot claim benefits as well. In addition, an employee who voluntarily signs a form that waives workers' compensation coverage will not be eligible for benefits.

• If you do not have an attorney, who can you ask for assistance regarding filing a workers' compensation claim in Louisville?

  Employees in Louisville who are not represented by an attorney can ask the specialists at the Department of Workers' Claims for assistance. These specialists can assist in completing the forms but cannot give legal advice or become a representative of the injured employee. Reach out to a specialist by sending an email to KYWC.Ombudsman_SpecialistServices@ky.gov or calling 800-554-8601.

• What should you do if your workers' compensation claim in Louisville is denied?

  Check the denial reason and steps for filing an appeal in Louisville in the denial letter that you received from the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims. After that, you may have to apply for a Benefits Review Conference, an informal hearing with your employer's insurance company. If your claim is still denied, request a hearing with the administrative law judge. You can also file a petition for reconsideration and an appeal at the Workers’ Compensation Board or the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

• Where are administrative hearings for workers' compensation cases heard in Louisville?

  Administrative hearings for Louisville cases are heard at the Hurstbourne Office Park, 9114 Leesgate Rd in Louisville. The hearing site is at Entrance A, the third building on the right. For more information about administrative hearings at this location, contact 502-595-4844. Take note that the hearing will proceed once the claim is assigned to the docket.

• What benefits can you recover under a workers' compensation claim in Louisville?

  Under workers' compensation laws, you can recover partial wages you lost while you were injured in Louisville. You will also be compensated for any expenses incurred relevant to the treatment of your injury. These expenses may be for hospitalization, urgent care, physical therapy, prescription medicine, and treatment-related transportation. You can also get benefits for disfigurement and partial or total disability.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.