Workmans Comp Attorney

With Workers Compensation, an employee who is injured on the job does not have to prove that the employer is at fault to receive medical care and assistance.  The worker simply files a workers compensation claim with the employer’s insurance carrier for medical bills and 2/3 of their weekly salary.  Once the worker has recovered to the point of MMI (“Maximum Medical Improvement”) he or she can return to work, but not necessarily to the same job. If the injury is severe, the worker can continue receiving benefits for up to 470 weeks.  A worker who suffers a “permanent total disability” and cannot return to any kind of work could receive a cash settlement for future medical costs and wage loss.

Workers Compensation: Pros and Cons

Workers compensation can be beneficial for the worker because medical and financial needs are addressed immediately without the long process of establishing liability and fault. The worker can choose his or her physician and all medical costs are covered. However, the downside of workman’s comp is that a worker is limited to a set amount of compensation and cannot sue their employer for negligence. An injured worker may not be able to return to the previous job and might have to take a lesser job.  Additionally, there can be problems negotiating with the insurance company handling the employer’s Louisiana workers compensation claims. Insurance companies might try to deny claims or seek to minimize the workers’ benefits.  In this situation, workers compensation attorney Thomas V. Alonzo can help you with your claim.

Third Party Liability

If a third party, such as a sub-contractor or employee of another company, is responsible for the worker’s injury, the worker will not be limited to workers compensation benefits. For example, if your injury is caused by a product at your employer’s premises that is owned by someone other than your employer or if a third party’s employee causes you to suffer an injury at work, you may file a personal injury claim against the third party. That third party can be sued for medical costs, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. It is important that your attorney is skilled and experienced at recognizing not just a workers compensation claim but also third party liability claims.  Thomas V. Alonzo successfully litigated a job injury involving third party liability in Napoleonville, Louisiana.  A jury found the third party to be responsible for the man’s injury and awarded a multi-million dollar verdict. [hr]

If you think you might have a third party claim or you are having difficulties with your workmans comp claim, call the Law Firm of Thomas V. Alonzo in Louisiana at (337) 704-2615 or in Mississippi at (601) 944-1980 for a free consultation about your specific situation. Mr. Alonzo handles all claims personally.