Lake Charles Workers' Compensation Attorney

Compassionate, Skilled & Knowledgeable Representation For Work Injury Claims

An injury sustained at work can significantly alter your life. Not only can such an injury affect your ability to work, but you may also suffer from losing your source of income or the ability to use a limb. There is a system in place to alleviate such disruptions, but even filing a workers’ compensation claim may not end your troubles. This is because the system is very complicated and strict, and even a slight mistake may cause your claim to be delayed or denied entirely.

Fortunately, you do not have to settle for the runaround—a Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer can help. At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, our law firm has a long history of helping the people of Lake Charles successfully settle workers’ compensation claims and other legal matters. We are ready to help you next.

Contact us online or call (337) 282-9003 today to schedule your free consultation with our Lake Charles workers' compensation attorney.

Understanding Louisiana Workers' Compensation Laws

Most Louisiana employees are covered from their first day on the job. People tend to associate workers’ compensation benefits with covering injuries from a specific accident, but it is also possible to receive compensation for an injury or illness that developed over time. 

Whether you broke your leg after falling from faulty scaffolding or you developed carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive office work, the statute of limitations is the same—you have one year from either the date of your accident or the discovery of your injury to submit your claims paperwork.

To receive the necessary paperwork, you must first send a written letter detailing the date, location, and circumstances of your work injury to your supervisor. This must be completed within 30 days of your accident. Once that has been taken care of, your employer should provide you with the paperwork required to file your claim and receive benefits.

Types of Benefits Available in Louisiana

• Temporary disability benefits
• Supplemental earnings benefits
• Permanent total disability benefits
• Medical benefits
• Mileage reimbursement (for trips to and from the doctor, for instance)
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Death benefits
• Funeral expenses

Benefits are situational and depend on factors like the severity of your injury, your ability to work, and your income. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.

Common Workplace Injuries Covered

While nearly any job-related injury can be eligible for workers’ compensation, some injuries occur more frequently. A Lake Charles workers' compensation attorney helps clients recover from incidents such as:

• Back and spinal injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), like carpal tunnel syndrome
• Falls from heights
• Machinery accidents
• Burns and chemical exposure
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Workers in construction, industrial plants, oil refineries, warehouses, and even office settings can all face risks. Whether your injury happened suddenly or developed over time, you deserve full and fair compensation.

How Do I File A Workers' Compensation Claim in Louisiana?

Filing a claim involves several key steps:

1. Report the Injury: Notify your employer immediately after the injury or as soon as reasonably possible. You cannot file a claim unless your employer is aware of the incident.
2. Seek Medical Treatment: Visit a healthcare provider authorized by your employer or workers' compensation insurer.
3. Complete the Claim Form: Your employer should provide the necessary forms to begin the process.
4. Submit the Claim: Work with your employer or their insurance provider to officially file your workers' compensation claim.

How Do I Appeal a Denied Workers' Compensation Claim?

If you file your workers’ compensation paperwork only to later receive notice that your claim has been denied, you still have options. You can file a Disputed Claim for Compensation using Form LWC-WC 1008. This process could take six to nine months, however—even longer if the case is appealed. Working with a lawyer well-versed in Louisiana workers’ compensation law can help you speed up the process and ensure that everything is done correctly and will yield successful results.

How Can Sudduth & Associates, LLC Help With My Workers' Compensation Claim?

You do not have to be discouraged by delays or denials with your workers’ compensation claim. By hiring a lawyer, you can complete the claims process right the first time around and set yourself up to receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to.

At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we like to say that we represent the underdog. We stand up exclusively for injured workers and their families. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers to represent their interests, but who is left to fight for the individual? We are proud to be that firm. So, if an insurance company denies your claim, call us today to see if you have a case. We would be proud to stand with you and fight to hold the powerful accountable and to secure the benefits to which you are entitled.

Contact the Lake Charles workers' compensation lawyer at Sudduth and Associates today at (337) 282-9003 for a free, initial consultation.