Have You Been Hurt At Work?

When it comes to workers’ compensation cases, The Jack Pack attorneys boast over four decades of experience in assisting injured workers.

If you are ever injured while performing work-related activities, a different set of legal criteria, rules, and laws apply than in other personal injury situations. Attempting to navigate workers’ compensation without legal representation is highly challenging. It is easy for unaware, injured workers to fall into traps or make critical mistakes that could jeopardize their claims. Hiring experienced workers’ comp lawyers in Shreveport ensures that you have a knowledgeable advocate who understands the intricacies of the system and can protect your rights throughout the entire process.

Jack Bailey Law Corporation thoroughly understands the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Guidelines and its ever-changing landscape of criteria, regulations, and laws. It is part of our job to stay on top of all changes so that we can protect your rights and ensure that you receive proper judgment for your workers’ compensation settlements.

Jack Bailey Group Image

You can always rely on The Jack Pack – where we personally work your case and get results.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation, often referred to as “workers’ comp,” is a system designed to provide financial and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. This program aims to protect both employers and employees by providing a streamlined process for resolving workplace injury claims and ensuring that injured workers receive appropriate compensation.

Time is Critical When Filing a Claim After a Work Injury

If you get hurt at work, it is critical to report your injury as soon as possible to maximize the opportunity of workers’ compensation benefits you are rightfully due. You have one year to file a workers’ compensation claim and provide specific information including:

  • Location of Accident
  • Cause of Accident
  • Names of Witnesses
  • Time and Details of Accident
  • Employer Required Medical Examination

Contact us today at 318-222-5200 or through our website to schedule your free consultation.

We have successfully helped numerous clients obtain the fair settlements they deserve, and we are here to do the same for you.

Call 318-222-5200

Benefits of Workers’ Compensation

When you file a workers’ compensation claim with the guidance of our skilled workers’ comp lawyer in Louisiana, you can access a range of benefits, which may include:

Medical Coverage

Workers’ compensation provides coverage for necessary medical treatments, including doctor’s visits, hospitalization, medication, surgeries, rehabilitation, and more. You can have peace of mind knowing that your medical expenses related to your work-related injury or illness are covered.

Wage Replacement

If your injury prevents you from working or results in a temporary disability, workers’ compensation offers wage replacement benefits. This compensation typically covers a portion of your lost wages during your recovery period.

Permanent Disability Benefits

In cases where your injury or illness results in a permanent disability that affects your ability to work, workers’ compensation provides benefits to compensate for the long-term impact on your earning capacity.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Workers’ compensation may include vocational rehabilitation services to help you retrain, acquire new skills, or find alternative employment if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job.

Employers are legally obligated to provide these benefits, which are directly paid to employees by the employer or its workers’ compensation insurer. It is the responsibility of every employer, unless exempted by law, to cover medical expenses and provide wage benefits to employees injured during work. If you have been denied medical care or denied benefits, call our office.

Call 318-222-5200

You Work Hard to Earn Money to Support Your Family.

If you are injured or become disabled and are no longer able to bring home a paycheck, you need our help!

Take action today and reach out to the trusted team at Jack Bailey Law Corporation. With our extensive knowledge of the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Guidelines and unwavering commitment to staying updated on the ever-changing legal landscape, we are ready to fight for your rights.

Don’t navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation alone. Let our experienced attorneys guide you through the process, advocate for your best interests, and help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Excellent
Based on 63 reviews
Brian Mitchell
2023-06-12
This person helped me with my situation and I'm very satisfied with his work trust him to come through for you
Lauren Delahoussaye
2023-05-16
Jack Bailey Law is a fantastic partner and we greatly enjoy working with them! The people behind this firm are genuine and down to earth! Highly recommend this team
Jeremy Leone
2023-04-17
VERY knowledgeable
pnut i am
2023-04-04
Randy Tyson
2023-02-03
Cathy Hampton
2022-06-29
Excellent service very caring and always consider your needs first. I would recommend them to all my love ones.

What to know When You are Hurt at Work

Call 318-222-5200

Do

  • Do look into filing for Family Medical Leave Act time if you are injured on the job. An employer can replace any worker that is absent due to an injury. Jack Bailey Law Corporation can help you make the decision that is right for you in regards to filing a claim for workers’ compensation.
  • Do seek out a lawyer who is experienced in workers’ compensation, as the cases are very complex in Louisiana, and many lawyers will not take them.
  • Do identify witnesses to the accident (names, addresses and phone numbers).
  • Do report the accident as soon as possible to your supervisor. Be sure an accident report is filled out and you get a copy. List all injuries and problems to your supervisor so they can be placed in the accident report.
  • Do seek medical assistance immediately if pain persists or is serious. (Workers’ Compensation benefits include payment of all medical costs resulting from the injury.) Avoid being referred to a “company doctor” if possible and try to go to a doctor of your own choice who is familiar with you. If you have a head or spinal injury, see an orthopedic or neurological specialist. Determine as early as possible if you will have to miss work and for how long. Determine what the “long-term prognosis” will be in terms of surgery or disability.
  • Do obtain all available information on your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. Contact them as early as possible to start benefits if you will be out of work for more than one week.
  • Do request (in writing) that workers’ compensation benefits be started as of the eighth day, if you are unable to work for seven days or more.
  • Do file Claim Form LDOL-WC-1008 “Claim for Compensation” on the eighth day after the accident if benefits have not begun. Send copies of all medical bills, accident reports, medical reports or other documents you may have on the accident with your Form 1008 to Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration, P.O. Box 94040, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804-9040. If you have questions on how to fill out the forms, or anything else, you may call: 1-225-342-7555 or Toll Free: 1-800-824-4592.
  • Do consult an attorney immediately if the compensation insurance will not begin making payments on your medical bills and weekly benefits of two-thirds of your gross weekly wage. Be sure the attorney is a workers’ compensation specialist. Ask him about his experience! Write down all questions you may have about your work accident and compensation laws prior to the interview. Learn about your rights under workers’ compensation laws. Ask what fees and expenses you will be required to pay. Ask what the attorney feels he can do to help you and how he evaluates your chances.

  • Do obtain the following documentation for your own file:

    • Copies of all medical bills caused by the accident, paid and unpaid.
    • A list of which bills have been paid and which have not been paid.
    • A list of mileage to and from all health care visits (to be reimbursed to you at 21 cents per mile).
    • Copies of all doctors’ narrative reports from treating physicians.
    • Copies of all admit and emergency room charts at all hospitals that have treated you.
    • Copies of all radiology reports on tests given to you, such as x-rays, CT scans, bone scans, MRI or Myelogram.
    • Copies of any statements given by you to your employer or the insurance company.
    • Copies of any witness statements obtained from anyone on how the accident occurred.
    • Copies of your wage records (or check stubs) from the last four full weeks you worked prior to the accident.
    • Copies of any correspondence between the insurance company and the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
    • An explanation from the insurance company on how it arrived at your workers’ compensation rate and what it believes to be your average weekly gross wage.
  • Do be sure you are being paid two-thirds of your average weekly wage before any deduction (gross wage).
  • Do keep a written daily diary of the aftermath of the accident. List all that happened in the accident and initial medical examinations. Follow your progress and the problems caused in everyday life by your injuries. (This will prove invaluable at your trial, which may be much later.)

Don’t

  • Don’t be afraid to seek workers’ compensation. Any injury or illness will be covered by workers’compensation if it is work related.
  • Don’t try to move if you are hurt. Call for help to get up and for assistance. Insist on an ambulance and immediate medical care if the injury causes substantial pain or appears serious.
  • Don’t hesitate to interview several attorneys and compare their responses.
  • Don’t sign any releases until you are fully prepared to settle your case. If you do so, your medical condition should have completely stabilized and you should have reached maximum medical improvement.
  • Don’t discuss your case with any unnecessary parties. Your spouse, your doctor and your attorney are the only necessary parties. Insurance adjusters or anyone else who want a recorded statement are not necessary, and you should not give such a statement to anyone or post any information on the internet, Facebook etc.
  • Don’t be talked into not reporting the accident (not even to preserve “safety records”).
  • Don’t give recorded statements to unnecessary parties.
  • Don’t sign releases or checks with release language printed on them.
  • Don’t settle your case unless you have medically stabilized.
  • Don’t settle your case unless you have spoken to an attorney and have had your questions answered and your rights explained to you.
  • Don’t discuss any aspects of your case with unnecessary persons.
  • Don’t do anything just because they say you “have to”.

What Injuries are Covered by the Workers’ Compensation Law?

Workers’ compensation laws typically cover injuries and illnesses that occur within the scope of employment. This includes accidents that happen on company premises, work-related injuries sustained off-site (e.g., during business trips or while driving a company vehicle), occupational diseases developed due to work conditions (e.g., exposure to harmful substances), and repetitive strain injuries resulting from prolonged or repetitive tasks.

All reasonable and necessary medical care is covered by your employer. There is no dollar limit on the medical that the employer and insurance company owe for the injuries or occupational disease.

Who is Covered by the Workers’ Compensation Law?

  • Employee Eligibility: From the moment employees in Louisiana begin their employment, they are typically eligible for coverage. This includes employees in various categories such as full-time, part-time, seasonal, and even minors. Subcontractors and certain independent contractors may also be considered employees if their work aligns with the employer’s trade, business, or occupation, or if they engage in significant manual labor.

  • Employer Responsibilities: To comply with the law, employers in Louisiana are obligated to fulfill one of two requirements. They must either maintain workers’ compensation insurance or obtain approval for self-insurance. This ensures that employees are protected and have access to the benefits and compensation they are entitled to in the event of a work-related injury or illness.

Seeking a Separate Professional Medical Opinion

A physician’s testimony can have an impact on the amount of benefits awarded. When an employer requests an independent medical examination, the physician conducting the examination may not always provide an unbiased evaluation. Because the employer may request a medical examination by a physician of their choosing, these assigned physicians can work with the insurance companies and even push to deny claims or wrongfully return the employee to work.

As an injured employee, you have the right to seek an independent professional medical opinion to ensure your best interests are represented. It is advisable to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through this process. They can help you select a reputable and impartial medical expert who will thoroughly evaluate your condition, provide an unbiased assessment, and offer an accurate prognosis. By obtaining an additional medical opinion, you can strengthen your case and challenge any biased examinations conducted by the employer’s chosen physician.