In most states, Louisiana included, certain businesses have to offer their employees access to workers compensation. This means you must buy workers compensation insurance and follow relevant state laws. Should an employee need workers compensation, this means you will have to respond. This will likely mean working with the Louisiana Office of Workers Compensation Administration. What is the purpose of this office?
Understanding Workers Compensation
When employees get hurt on the job, they often have a right to seek compensation from their employer (even if the accident wasn't the employer's fault). Workers compensation insurance creates an avenue to address this injury without resorting to a lawsuit. Once an employee qualifies for a claim, they might receive workers compensation for:
- Replacement income
- Job retraining
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
Some policies even pay workers compensation to the families of those who die on the job. The goals of policies are to help those injured at work not suffer financially during recovery.
However, not everyone will qualify for a claim. Employers and employees have to follow the correct avenues for filing. That's where the workers compensation office might play a role.
Workers Compensation Offices
Nearly all Louisiana employers with one or more employees must carry workers compensation insurance. Failure to do so might result in regulatory fines. The Louisiana Workers Compensation Administration is the body that helps enforce this law. It also provides services for both employers and employees to guide them through a claim. It helps prevent fraud or misconduct by applicants, policyholders and others involved.
The workers compensation office seeks to make the claims process as smooth as possible. So, when someone files a claim on their workers compensation policy, the insurer must report the claim. The office provides the necessary resources to help parties accurately file the claim. It seeks to ensure that all claims receive fair and appropriate review.
One thing that the office does not do is pay workers compensation benefits themselves. Coverage comes from an employer's workers compensation insurance. Therefore, once the claim receives approval, the workers compensation policy will begin to pay benefits. However, the office can help applicants who receive claim rejections resolve the issue.
Throughout the process of applying for a workers compensation insurance claim, the Louisiana Workers Compensation Administration can be a resource to employers and employees in need. Therefore, if you ever run into a problem, then the office will likely provide a solution. You can also reach out to one of our agents to understand the process further.
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