In Louisiana, most companies must provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. WC protects employers from job-related injury lawsuits by offering workers essential benefits to help them through their recovery.
One of the most important workers’ comp benefits is coverage for medical care related to the injury. However, WC benefits may also include wage assistance and job replacement services if the injury temporarily or permanently impacts an employee’s ability to work.
Indemnity wage benefits
Indemnity wage benefits provide financial assistance if an employee must take an extended leave during his or her recovery (Temporary Total Disability) or cannot return to work at all (Permanent Total Disability). Wage benefits include weekly or monthly payments based on a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage.
Supplemental earnings benefits
An employee might be able to return to work but not earn as much as before the injury. In this case, he or she may be able to receive Supplemental Earnings Benefits to help make up the difference in income.
Vocational rehabilitation
Injured workers who cannot return to their former position may also be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation. Under the guidance of a licensed counselor, VR services can include job search and placement assistance as well as retraining based on the worker’s current education and skills.
Workers’ compensation benefits can also be important if a job-related injury leads to loss of life. In addition to coverage for funeral and burial expenses, the spouse, children or other dependents of the deceased may be eligible for weekly indemnity payments for a certain period of time after the worker’s death.
