Getting hurt at work is more than just painful; it’s stressful, overwhelming, and sometimes even life-changing. One moment you’re just doing your job. The next, you’re facing hospital visits, lost income, and a pile of paperwork you weren’t prepared for.
If this sounds like your situation, we want you to know: you’re not alone.
At Crescent City Personal Injury, we’ve helped workers across New Orleans and throughout Louisiana stand up for their rights after a job-related injury. We understand the pressure that comes with filing a claim, especially when your employer or their insurance company makes things harder than they need to be. Our team, led by John Radziewicz, is here to guide you every step of the way, fight for what you’re owed, and make sure your injury doesn’t go ignored.
One of the most common questions we get is: how long do I have to report a work injury? The short answer? Not long. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s the Deadline to Report a Work Injury in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 23:1301, you must notify your employer of a work‑related injury within 30 days of the accident or from the moment you become aware of the injury. You then have up to one year from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim, and the law recognizes that your claim remains valid throughout this one‑year period. If you haven’t reported your injury to your employer or missed the 30‑day mark, call us—we can still help you pursue your claim!
That doesn’t mean you should wait 29 days. The sooner you report the injury, the better. Delays can give the insurance company an excuse to question your claim, or deny it altogether.
Quick tip: If you’re unsure when the injury technically happened, especially with repetitive stress or long-term exposure injuries, the clock starts ticking when you first knew or reasonably should have known that the injury was work-related.
Why Reporting Sooner Is Always Better
You might feel tempted to “wait and see” if the pain goes away. Or maybe you’re worried your employer will get mad. But here’s the truth: the longer you wait, the harder this process gets.
Reporting your injury right away helps:
- Protect your right to benefits – Late reports are one of the top reasons claims are denied.
- Prove the injury happened at work – Immediate documentation supports your side of the story.
- Prevent disputes and delays – Employers and insurers are less likely to push back when everything is on record from day one.
And if your boss tries to talk you out of reporting it? That’s a red flag. Give our personal injury team a call, we’ll make sure your voice is heard.
How Do You Report a Work Injury in Louisiana?
The process doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be done right. Here’s what you should do:
- Tell your supervisor or manager. Whether it’s verbal or written, make sure someone in charge knows.
- Give specific details. This should include the date, time, location, what happened, and what part of your body was injured.
- Get medical attention. Your employer might recommend a doctor, but under La. R.S. § 23:1121, you can choose your own physician.
- Make sure your injury is documented. Your employer should file a “First Report of Injury” with their insurance carrier.
- Keep a copy of everything. Save copies of medical records, emails, text messages, anything related to your injury and recovery.
If your employer fails to file or tries to brush off your report, don’t wait—talk to a workers’ comp attorney who can step in and take control.
What If You Miss the 30-Day Deadline?
It’s definitely harder to file if the deadline has passed—but it’s not always the end of the road.
You may still have options if:
- You had a delayed-onset injury: Like carpal tunnel or hearing loss that developed over time.
- Your employer already knew: For example, if they witnessed the accident or another employee reported it.
- You were incapacitated: If your injury left you unable to speak or move, there may be an exception for medical emergencies.
Still not sure? Let our team take a look. We’ll review your timeline, your documentation, and your options.
What Benefits Can You Receive After Reporting?
Once your injury is properly reported and accepted, Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system can provide several important benefits to help you recover and get back on your feet:
1. Medical Treatment
You’re entitled to full coverage for reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, and even transportation costs to and from appointments.
2. Wage Replacement
If your injury keeps you from working temporarily, you may receive compensation to cover part of your lost income. These payments typically amount to 66 2/3% of your average weekly wages, subject to state maximums.
3. Disability Benefits
If your injury leads to a permanent physical impairment, you may be eligible for additional compensation based on the type and severity of your disability. This can include both partial and total disability benefits.
4. Vocational Rehab
Workers’ comp may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you develop new skills, train for a different line of work, and secure employment if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous role.
These benefits are outlined under La. R.S. § 23:1221, but the claims process doesn’t always go smoothly, especially when insurers push back or delay payment. That’s when we step in.
What If My Employer or Their Insurance Denies My Claim?
It happens more than you think. Maybe they claim the injury didn’t happen at work. Maybe they’re saying it’s not that serious. Or maybe they just keep dodging your calls.
If your employer is ignoring your report, or their insurance company is dragging its feet, it’s time to get a legal advocate involved.
At Crescent City Personal Injury, we know how to push back when employers and insurers play games. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers get the treatment and financial support they deserve.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Crescent City Personal Injury Today
If you’ve been injured on the job in Louisiana, time is critical. You have 30 days to report your injury, and the sooner you do, the stronger your claim will be.
Whether your employer is cooperating or putting up roadblocks, we’re ready to help. Our team at Crescent City Personal Injury has the experience, the legal knowledge, and the determination to protect your rights and your future.
Contact us at (504) 608-0084 or visit our website to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
We’re here when you’re ready.