Who Is Eligible for Worker’s Compensation?
To qualify for worker’s compensation, your injury must have occurred in the workplace while you were on duty. If you were injured on the job site, and you are not on the clock, you are not eligible for worker’s compensation. If you are unsure about your eligibility for worker’s compensation, visit the Louisiana Workplace Commission website.
The following are eligible for worker’s compensation:
- Full-time Employees
- Part-time Employees
- Seasonal Employees
- Minors
Those excluded from worker’s compensation benefits include:
- Domestic Employees
- Real-estate Agents
- Unpaid Employees of Non-Profits
- Public Officials
- Volunteer Workers
If you are eligible for worker’s compensation, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages and disability. When a loved one is killed on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for the deceased’s medical and funeral expenses, in addition to your loss of companionship and loss of financial support.
Louisiana Employers’ Responsibilities
Louisiana requires all employers to carry worker’s compensation insurance or be approved to self-insure per the Louisiana Workforce Commission. If your employer failed to maintain worker’s compensation, you should contact the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA) Fraud & Compliance section at 1-800-201-3362.
To obtain a copy of the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration’s Rights and Responsibilities brochure contact: Records Management, Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA), Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC), 1001 N 23rd St, Room G28, PO Box 94040, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9040.
Why You Need to Speak with a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer
Worker’s compensation is supposed to protect you in the case of an accidental injury but getting compensation is not always easy. Sometimes your claim can be denied, and you must fight to get the compensation you deserve. When you retain a worker’s compensation lawyer in Louisiana, they will evaluate your case and help you overcome any hurdles keeping you from getting the benefits your deserve.
