Shreveport Work Compensation Attorney

Maximize Your Compensation After a Workplace Injury in Shreveport, LA

A workplace injury can be more costly than just the medical expenses that come from the accident. If you suffered a workplace injury, it could be easy to miss out on the compensation you need to recover from the injury’s consequences fully. Thankfully, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you secure the best possible outcome in your injury claim.

The team at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law has a long history of experience in workers’ compensation matters. From 2007 to 2009, Ryan served the Office of Workers’ Compensation as a Judge for a seven-parish area. During this time, Ryan presided over hundreds of trials and hearings, giving him an exceptional level of standard when he serves his clients.

Ryan serves clients throughout the Bossier and Shreveport areas, and you can schedule your initial consultation with him today. Call (318) 633-0186 or contact us online to begin preparing your claim.

Common Types of Workplace Accidents

A workplace accident is an unplanned and unexpected event that occurs in the workplace, resulting in injury, illness, or property damage. These incidents can happen due to unsafe work conditions, human error, mechanical failures, or environmental factors. Workplace accidents can range from minor injuries to severe, life-threatening conditions and may also include harm to mental health.

Common types of work accidents include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Slips, trips, and falls happen when workers encounter wet floors, cluttered spaces, or uneven surfaces. These incidents can lead to sprains, fractures, or head injuries.
• Falls from Heights: Falls from heights occur when workers lose balance or stability while working on ladders, scaffolding, or roofs. These accidents often result in serious injuries, including broken bones and head trauma.
• Struck by Object: Workers can be struck by objects that fall, swing, or are projected, especially in construction or warehouse settings. Such incidents may cause concussions, fractures, or other severe injuries.
• Caught-In/Between Accidents: Caught-in or between accidents happen when workers are crushed, pinched, or trapped between machinery or objects. These situations can cause life-threatening injuries or amputations.
• Vehicle-Related Accidents: Vehicle-related accidents involve collisions, overturns, or incidents with forklifts, trucks, or other work vehicles. They can result in severe injuries or fatalities, especially in high-traffic work zones.
• Repetitive Motion Injuries: Repetitive motion injuries develop over time from performing the same task repeatedly. They often lead to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or muscle strain.
• Exposure to Harmful Substances: Exposure to harmful substances occurs when workers come into contact with hazardous chemicals, fumes, or biological agents. This can lead to respiratory problems, burns, or chronic illnesses.
• Fires and Explosions: Fires and explosions are often caused by improper handling of flammable materials, electrical malfunctions, or chemical reactions. These accidents can result in burns, respiratory damage, or fatalities.
• Electrical Accidents: Electrical accidents occur when workers come into contact with live wires or malfunctioning electrical equipment. These incidents may cause electric shocks, severe burns, or electrocution.
• Workplace Violence: Workplace violence involves physical assaults, threats, or harassment within the workplace. Such incidents can result in physical harm and long-term emotional trauma.

Workers' Compensation System in Louisiana

The Louisiana Workers' Compensation System is designed to provide medical benefits and wage replacement to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The system ensures that injured workers receive necessary medical care and financial support while they recover, without the need to prove fault.

Most employers in Louisiana are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee. Coverage applies to full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers.

To qualify, the injury or illness must occur while performing work-related duties. Common types of eligible injuries and illness include:

• Back and Neck Injuries: Injuries like strains, sprains, or herniated discs due to heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or accidents.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs): Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or bursitis caused by repetitive motion, like typing or using machinery.
• Cuts, Lacerations, and Punctures: Injuries from sharp objects, machinery, or tools, which may result in minor to severe bleeding or tissue damage.
• Burns: Injuries from exposure to heat, chemicals, or electricity that can cause first, second, or third-degree burns.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Injuries from falls, impacts, or accidents involving heavy equipment or machinery that result in broken bones.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, or skull fractures resulting from falls, collisions, or being struck by objects.
• Shoulder and Joint Injuries: Injuries like dislocations, fractures, or tendon injuries caused by heavy lifting or repetitive actions.
• Lung and Respiratory Conditions: Diseases like asthma, bronchitis, or exposure to toxic chemicals, dust, or fumes (e.g., asbestos or mold exposure).
• Hearing Loss: Gradual loss of hearing caused by prolonged exposure to loud noise in certain work environments (e.g., construction or manufacturing).
• Eye Injuries: Injuries like corneal abrasions, burns, or vision loss from flying debris, chemicals, or ultraviolet light exposure.
• Crush Injuries: Severe injuries that occur when a body part is crushed between objects, often leading to broken bones, nerve damage, or amputations.
• Mental Health Issues: Stress, anxiety, or depression that are directly related to work conditions or accidents (though these claims can be more difficult to prove in some cases).

How Our Services Benefit You

The services a workers’ compensation attorney can provide have the potential of making a considerable difference in the outcome of your claim. Once you file your claim, Ryan can:

• Gather evidence and medical reports to support your claim
• Complete any necessary paperwork without missing deadlines
• Negotiate on your behalf for the compensation that accurately reflects your damages
• Present your case to insurance representatives in order
• Defend you in trial with exceptional litigation skills

Hoping for the best while waiting for things to fall in place on their own is not a good strategy after a workplace injury. Insurance companies commonly offer settlements that are far less than the actual value you need to cover costs. Ryan knows how to identify your injuries’ total costs and secure compensation that most accurately reflects it.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

If you have suffered a workplace injury, the next thing you should do is contact a Louisiana attorney you can trust to fight for you and your future.

Your Local Resource for Workers' Comp Claims in Shreveport and Bossier

In Shreveport and Bossier, workplace injuries can lead to significant challenges, not just physically but also financially. Local businesses and employees alike face unique hurdles when navigating the workers' compensation system. With the Shreveport-Bossier City area being home to various industries, from healthcare to manufacturing, understanding the local regulations and resources is crucial for anyone dealing with a workplace injury.

Local government entities, such as the Louisiana Workforce Commission, provide essential resources for injured workers. They offer guidance on filing claims and understanding your rights under Louisiana's workers' compensation laws. However, the process can still be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may not have your best interests at heart. Many residents find themselves frustrated by low settlement offers that fail to cover their medical expenses and lost wages.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we recognize the specific pain points faced by Shreveport and Bossier residents. Whether you're a healthcare worker at one of the local hospitals or an employee in the manufacturing sector, we understand the nuances of your situation. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of your workers' comp claim, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We are familiar with the local landscape and can provide tailored support to address your unique needs.

To schedule a free case evaluation, contact us today at (318) 633-0186.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers' Compensation in Louisiana