Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Metairie, LA

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number for the Metairie police station is 504-363-5500. For any emergency or non-emergency situation, dial 9-1-1 to reach police, fire, or medical services.

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

  To obtain a copy of a police report related to your case in Metairie, you can contact the Records Division of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. You can request the information in person, by mail, or online through the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office website. The Records Division is located at 1233 Westbank Expressway, Building A, Harvey, Louisiana, 70058, and their phone number is 504-363-5590. You will likely need to provide information such as the date, time, and location of the incident and the names of the parties involved to obtain the report.

  Online request: https://jpso.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(zlnvea3yqkvi2kdvxdwasmod))/SupportHome.aspx

• What kind of injuries does workers' compensation cover in Metairie?

  Workers' compensation covers injuries or illnesses that arise from job-related activities in Metairie. This encompasses various scenarios, such as accidents occurring during work hours (such as car crashes when driving on behalf of the employer), ailments arising from exposure to hazardous chemicals or fumes, and injuries sustained due to the actions of a fellow employee. Common on-the-job injuries include concussions, herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries, mesothelioma, torn muscles or ligaments, repetitive stress injuries, hearing loss, amputations, crush injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

• What amount can you expect to receive as workers' compensation benefits in Metairie?

  The amount of workers' compensation benefits you can expect in Metairie depends on various factors, including the extent of your injury and the state's maximum weekly benefit limit. Typically, lost wages are covered up to two-thirds of your regular pay or a maximum weekly rate set by the state. The maximum weekly rate in Louisiana was $705, but this amount changes annually. All medical expenditures related to your accident should be reimbursed, and you may be eligible for reimbursement for medical treatment-related travel expenses.

• How long can workers' compensation benefits be received in Metairie?

  The duration of workers' compensation benefits in Metairie relies on the nature of the injury sustained. For permanent total disability, the benefits will remain unchanged until social security benefits commence, after which they may be reduced. For permanent partial disability, Louisiana Revised Statutes stipulates different maximum timeframes for distinct injury types. Temporary total disability benefits cease when medical treatment is no longer necessary for the qualifying injuries. If the injured person returns to work but earns less, they may be eligible for supplemental earnings benefits for 10 years.

• Can you get Social Security Disability and workers' compensation benefits at the same time in Metairie?

  If you have a work-related injury in Metairie that prevents you from working for an extended period, you may be eligible for both Social Security Disability benefits and workers' compensation benefits. However, Social Security may decrease your disability benefits to account for the amount you receive from workers' compensation. Once your workers' compensation benefits expire, you will be entitled to receive your full disability benefits from Social Security.

• What are the common causes of workers' compensation claims denial in Metairie?

  The most common reasons for denial of workers' compensation claims include disavowing that the injury or illness was work-related, accusations of falsifying injury claims, and attributing the injury to a pre-existing condition. If an employer in Metairie denies a workers' compensation claim, the employee can appeal the decision. The employee may also file a lawsuit against the employer if they believe their claim was wrongfully denied.

• 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.