Shreveport Catastrophic Work Injury Lawyer

Shreveport Catastrophic Work Injury Attorney

There’s no time for excuses after a bad work injury. Delays cost lives. A lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need for medical bills and lost income. A Shreveport catastrophic work injury lawyer can jump into action.

A Strong Voice for Shreveport Workers

At Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates, we deliver. Our clients praise us for always keeping them in the loop. We make sure liable parties answer for the damages they caused you. Our firm keeps things moving when insurance companies start dragging their feet.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries are severe. These injuries often prevent people from working ever again, and they might need care for years.

These types of injuries are usually easy to identify. Common types include:

• Spinal cord injuries. These injuries often cause paralysis. Many people lose the use of their limbs. The change is usually permanent. Daily life becomes harder without constant help.
• Traumatic brain injuries. TBIs can affect many different parts of life. Some people need help walking, while others may have trouble speaking. Brain injuries can last a lifetime.
• Amputations. It’s estimated that over 150,000 people go through a lower extremity amputation per year in the United States. Amputees often need physical therapy. Some people need prosthetics.
• Severe burns. Burns can destroy the skin, but they can also affect things underneath the skin, like nerves and muscles. Many burn survivors face pain for years. Some lead to infections.
• Loss of senses. A sudden loss of sight or hearing affects a person’s ability to work. These losses often come with emotional trauma.

Each injury causes significant changes. This was the case for Jose Valdivia, who recently won Louisiana’s largest personal injury settlement in history. His head injury due to being hit by a pipe in a Lake Charles refinery resulted in a $411 million settlement.

Workers’ Compensation In Louisiana for Serious Injuries

The workers’ compensation system in Louisiana covers medical treatment. It also covers lost wages. After a catastrophic injury, workers may need long-term help. This could include home care, and these costs can grow over time. That’s why long-term care is part of some claims.

Injured workers may also receive wage loss benefits. If a person can’t work again, they may qualify for permanent disability.

These payments help replace lost income as well. In some cases, vocational rehab may be available. This helps some workers train for a new job if they can’t return to their old one.

These cases are not always easy. Employers may push back. They may question the medical needs of the injured worker. Sometimes, they try to close the claim early. That’s why injured workers often need help from an experienced attorney.

Outside of Workers’ Comp

Workers’ compensation is the main option after a work injury,  but there are times when someone outside the company is to blame. A third party might be held liable if they caused the injury. These are called third-party claims.

A good example is when a worker is driving for their job. Another driver who isn’t part of the employer’s company may hit them on the road, allowing them to file a third-party claim.

Another example is faulty equipment. An injury caused by a broken machine might be the fault of the manufacturer.

These claims can help recover more damages than workers’ comp allows for. That includes pain and suffering. However, these cases require proof that the plaintiff caused your injury. They also follow different rules than workers’ compensation claims. A skilled attorney can help sort through both.

Steps After a Catastrophic Work Injury

After a serious injury at work in Shreveport, the first step is to get medical care. Fast treatment can make a difference in long-term recovery.

The next step is to report the injury. That must be done as soon as possible. The report should be made to the supervisor in writing.

Next, a claim must be filed. This starts the process with workers’ compensation. Witness names and photos should be saved. These details help show what happened and why the injury matters.

The claims process can take time. Insurers may deny parts of the claim, but having help during this time can ease the pressure. Workers often need a representative to not feel lost during this process.

Why Do I Need a Shreveport Catastrophic Work Injury Attorney?

Insurance companies don’t always play fair. Some try to deny care. This can leave injured workers with serious debt. The risk is higher in serious injury cases.

An experienced attorney knows how to deal with roadblocks. They can keep the claim on track. A legal team can push for fair payments. Without that help, some workers may not get what they need.

FAQs

What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?

What qualifies as a catastrophic injury varies widely. Generally, it causes long-term or permanent damage. These injuries often make it very difficult to return to work. Some of the most common catastrophic injuries include partial or complete paralysis. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Center, there are about 18,000 new spinal cord injuries annually.

How Is Workers’ Compensation Different for Catastrophic Injuries?

Workers’ compensation is different for catastrophic injuries based on compensation amounts. Payments are often higher for catastrophic injuries. A worker might not return to the same job. Some can’t work at all. In these cases, compensation may include permanent disability benefits. These cases usually require more documentation and can also involve disputes.

Can I Sue My Employer After a Catastrophic Work Injury In Shreveport, LA?

You usually cannot sue your employer after a catastrophic work injury. Workers’ compensation is typically provided instead. There are some exceptions. A claim might be possible if the employer did something on purpose to cause harm. These cases are hard to prove. Most workers have to go through the workers’ compensation system to recover damages.

What if a Third Party Caused My Workplace Injury In Shreveport?

If a third party caused your workplace injury, a claim might be an option. Contractors outside of the employer could be held liable. This often happens due to faulty machines. It could also happen if another company’s driver caused a crash while someone was working. These claims go beyond workers’ compensation, meaning you could also recoup damages for things like pain and suffering.

You Deserve More Than Just Talk – Contact an Experienced Attorney

In 2023, there were 2.4 work injuries for every 100 full-time employees. Many injuries take away workers’ abilities to earn a living. Get someone who knows how to fight for you. Schedule a consultation with Jacqueline A. Scott & Associates for help with your work injury claim.

Shreveport, LA Work Injury Resources