When you’re injured on the job in Louisiana, you have legal rights, but that doesn’t mean your employer or their insurance company will automatically do what’s best for you. Many injured workers struggle to get proper medical treatment, face delays in workers’ compensation payments, or feel pressured to return to work too soon. In these moments, having an experienced legal team on your side can make all the difference in dealing with your workers’ compensation claim.
At Crescent City Personal Injury, our proven track record of fighting for injured workers spans years of successful case results. Our team of personal injury advocates, led by John Radziewicz, has helped countless employees across Louisiana secure the compensation, medical care, and disability benefits they are legally entitled to under Louisiana’s Workers’ Compensation Act.
We understand the tactics insurance companies use to reduce or deny claims, and we know how to fight back to ensure you receive what you deserve.
Common Challenges Injured Workers Face in Louisiana
The workers’ compensation system can feel overwhelming, and dealing with insurance companies or employers who don’t have your best interests at heart only adds to the stress.
Based on our experience, these are the most frequent legal challenges injured workers face in Louisiana:
- Delayed or denied claims – Employers and insurance companies often stall the process, leaving workers without income or medical treatment.
- Disputes over medical treatment – Employers try to dictate treatment plans, even though Louisiana law (La. R.S. 23:1121) enables an injured worker to undergo a medical examination conducted by a qualified healthcare provider, which is arranged and covered by the employer.
- Lowball settlement offers – Insurers may offer quick, inadequate payouts that don’t fully cover medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care.
- Forced return to work – Some employers push injured workers back to work too soon, increasing the risk of re-injury.
- Employer retaliation – Although Louisiana law (La. R.S. 23:1361) prohibits firing workers for filing a claim, some employers wrongfully terminate or demote injured employees.
Claims You Can File After a Work Injury in Louisiana
If you’ve been injured on the job in Louisiana, you may be entitled to several types of workers’ compensation benefits under Louisiana’s Workers’ Compensation Act (La. R.S. 23:1020.1 et seq.). Depending on the severity of your injury and its impact on your ability to work, you may be able to claim:
1. Medical Benefits
One of the biggest challenges injured workers face is obtaining proper medical treatment. Employers and insurance companies frequently direct workers to company-approved doctors, who may prioritize cost-cutting over recovery.
Louisiana law requires employers to cover all necessary medical treatment related to a workplace injury, including:
- Doctor visits and hospital stays
- Surgery and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Diagnostic tests (MRI, X-rays, etc.)
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to medical appointments
Under La. R.S. 23:1121, injured workers have the right to choose their own physician, despite what employers or insurance companies may say.
2. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
If you are completely unable to work while recovering from your injury, you may qualify for temporary total disability benefits. These benefits provide two-thirds (66.67%) of your average weekly wage, subject to state maximum limits.
3. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits
If your injury results in permanent impairment but still allows you to work in some capacity, you may be entitled to PPD benefits. These benefits apply to injuries such as:
- Loss of a limb or fingers
- Permanent nerve damage
- Partial loss of vision or hearing
4. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits
If your injury prevents you from returning to any form of employment, you may be eligible for permanent total disability benefits. This applies to severe injuries such as:
- Paralysis
- Severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Loss of both hands, arms, feet, or legs
5. Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEB)
If you can return to work but earn less than 90% of your pre-injury wages due to your injury, supplemental earnings benefits may cover two-thirds (66.67%) of the difference between your current and pre-injury wages for up to 520 weeks.
6. Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services, which provide job retraining and placement assistance to help you find new employment.
7. Death and Burial Benefits
If a worker dies from a job-related injury or illness, dependents (such as a spouse or children) may be entitled to death benefits, which cover:
- Survivor benefits (a percentage of the deceased worker’s wages)
- Funeral and burial expenses (up to $8,500 per La. R.S. 23:1210).
If your employer or insurer attempts to limit or deny your choice of medical care, consulting a workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you assert your rights, challenge unfair restrictions, and ensure you receive the best possible treatment for your recovery.
Why You Need Legal Help After a Work Injury in Louisiana
Insurance companies have attorneys, nurse case managers, and corporate doctors working to minimize their costs, and that often comes at your expense. Their goal is to delay, deny, or reduce your claim.
Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 23:1209), injured workers have one year from the date of the accident to file a workers’ compensation claim for medical and wage benefits. If the employer has voluntarily paid benefits, workers have up to three years from the last payment to file for additional benefits. Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to claim compensation, making it crucial to act quickly.
At Crescent City Personal Injury, our legal team works for you, not the insurance company. We help you protect your benefits before it’s too late. We ensure:
- Your medical bills are fully covered
- You receive the right medical care from independent doctors
- You aren’t pressured into returning to work too soon
- Your compensation is fair and reflects your lost wages and future medical needs
- Any attempts to deny your claim are aggressively challenged
If you’re facing resistance from an insurance company or employer, having legal representation can make all the difference.
Contact Our Experienced Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Crescent City Personal Injury Today
At Crescent City Personal Injury, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to fight for you. Your health, financial stability, and peace of mind matter—and we’re committed to ensuring you receive the care and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 504-608-0084 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. Let’s have your questions answered and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.