Who Actually Pays For My Benefits Under Workers’ Compensation?

If you suffered a work-related injury you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Under the workers’ compensation system, reasonable medical expenses will be paid for; assistance in finding a new job may be provided if injuries prevent you from doing your old job; and, monetary compensation may be paid while you are unable to work.

But who, exactly, pays for your benefits when receiving Workers’ Compensation?

In Louisiana, most employers buy worker’s compensation insurance policies through a private insurance company. Your worker’s compensation benefits would be paid by this insurance company.

Some employers are allowed to be “self-insured” if they fulfill certain requirements. This means that your worker’s comp benefits, and your medical benefits, will be paid directly by the employer. Self-insured employers will normally hire a Third Party Administrator to help them manage the claim and pay benefits.

How Much Will I Receive From Workers’ Compensation?

The amount of workers’ compensation that you may be entitled to receive is two-thirds of your “Average Weekly Wage” or “AWW.” This is determined, in most cases, by getting an average of the last four full weeks of wages prior to the accident. However, this is subject to a cap; that cap is currently $653.00 in Louisiana.

No matter who your employer relies on to process their workers’ compensation benefits, all companies are required to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage for their employees. If the employer did not have worker’s comp insurance and was not self-insured, then the law allows for an increase in worker’s comp benefits to penalize the employer for failing to have coverage.

If you have been injured while at work, even if you weren’t at the workplace, you may want to consult our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Fischer & Procell. We have combined decades of experience in handling cases for our clients in North Louisiana, and know how to navigate the environment you may not be familiar with or are able to deal with in this difficult time. Reach out to us today for a free consultation regarding your important case.