On This Page
A workplace injury can change everything in an instant. One moment you are earning a living for your family, and the next you are dealing with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about your future.
If you were hurt on the job in or around Thibodaux, Louisiana, you have the right to seek workers' compensation benefits that can help cover your medical treatment, lost wages, and more. The Thibodaux workers' compensation lawyers at Ory Law Group are ready to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you move forward with confidence.
Why Choose Ory Law Group for Your Thibodaux, LA Workers' Compensation Claim?
When your livelihood is on the line, the legal team you choose matters. At Ory Law Group, every case receives personal attention and aggressive advocacy because we understand that behind every claim is a real person with real needs.
-
A proven track record of results. Our attorneys have recovered millions for injury victims and secured over 25 not guilty verdicts across the cases we handle. That level of courtroom experience gives us a competitive edge when fighting for workers' compensation benefits on your behalf.
-
No fees unless we win. You will never pay out of pocket for legal representation. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we successfully recover benefits for you.
-
Available when you need us. With 24/7 availability and free consultations, you can reach us whenever questions or concerns come up, whether it is late at night or over the weekend.
With more than 15 years in practice and deep roots in the Thibodaux, Houma, and New Iberia communities, Ory Law Group is committed to delivering compassionate, client-centered legal support to Louisiana's hardworking families.
Louisiana Workers' Compensation
Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill because of their jobs. Under the Louisiana Workers' Compensation Law (La. R.S. 23:1020.1 et seq.), most employers with one or more employees and an annual payroll of at least $3,000 are required to carry this coverage.
The system is designed so that injured workers do not have to prove their employer was at fault. In other words, it is a "no-fault" system. Whether a piece of equipment malfunctioned, a floor was slippery, or an accident just happened, you may still be eligible for benefits. The focus is on whether the injury occurred during and because of your work duties.
This protection extends to full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. Even minors and certain independent contractors may qualify. The goal is straightforward: to provide medical care and financial support so that injured workers can heal and, when possible, return to work.
What Benefits Can You Receive Through Workers' Comp in Thibodaux?
Louisiana workers' compensation benefits are meant to address both the medical and financial impact of a workplace injury. Understanding what you may be entitled to can help you make informed decisions about your claim.
Medical Benefits
Workers' compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical equipment.
There are no copays or deductibles. Your employer or their insurance company is responsible for covering these costs directly. You may also receive mileage reimbursement for travel to and from medical appointments.
Wage Replacement Benefits
If your injury keeps you from working, you may receive wage replacement benefits. Louisiana generally pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage at the time of your injury. For injuries occurring between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026, the Louisiana Workforce Commission's Office of Workers' Compensation has set the maximum weekly benefit at $877 and the minimum at $234.
The type of wage benefit you receive depends on the nature and severity of your injury:
-
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Available when you are completely unable to work while recovering. These benefits generally continue until you can return to work or reach maximum medical improvement, which is the point at which your doctor determines your condition has stabilized.
-
Supplemental Earnings Benefits (SEBs): Available if you can work but are unable to earn at least 90% of your pre-injury wages. These benefits help bridge the gap between what you earned before and what you are able to earn now.
-
Permanent Total Disability (PTD): For serious injuries that permanently prevent you from returning to any type of work.
These categories reflect the range of support available under Louisiana law, and the right classification for your situation can have a significant impact on the benefits you receive.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation services. These can include job placement assistance, retraining, and educational programs designed to help you find suitable work within your physical abilities.
Death Benefits
When a workplace injury or illness results in the death of a worker, surviving family members may be eligible for death benefits. These benefits provide weekly payments to dependents such as spouses and children, along with coverage of burial expenses up to $8,500.
Common Workplace Injuries in the Thibodaux Area
Thibodaux and the surrounding Lafourche Parish area are home to a hardworking community. From the sugarcane fields along Bayou Lafourche to the offshore oil and gas operations in the Gulf, local workers face real risks every day. Some of the most common workplace injuries we see include:
-
Back, neck, and spinal injuries from heavy lifting, falls, or repetitive movements
-
Broken bones and fractures caused by slips, trips, falls, or being struck by equipment
-
Burns and chemical exposure common in industrial and oilfield settings
-
Repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and chronic joint pain from performing the same tasks over time
-
Head and traumatic brain injuries from falling objects or workplace accidents
-
Occupational illnesses caused by long-term exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, chemicals, or extreme heat
No matter how your injury happened, if it occurred during and because of your work, it may be covered by workers' compensation. Each of these injuries can affect your ability to earn a living and enjoy your daily life, and each one deserves to be taken seriously.
How to File a Workers' Compensation Claim in Louisiana
Filing a workers' compensation claim involves several important steps. Missing a deadline or failing to follow the right process can put your benefits at risk, so it helps to understand what is expected of you.
-
Report Your Injury to Your Employer
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes 23:1301, you must notify your employer of your work-related injury or illness within 30 days. This notice can be verbal or written, but putting it in writing is always a good idea. Include the date, time, location, and a description of what happened. The sooner you report, the better. Early reporting strengthens your claim and helps get the process started quickly.
-
Your Employer Files the First Report
Once notified, your employer has 10 days to file a First Report of Injury or Illness with their workers' compensation insurer. This report is then forwarded to the Louisiana Office of Workers' Compensation Administration (OWCA). You should receive a copy of this form for your records.
-
Seek Medical Treatment
Getting medical attention right away is important for both your health and your claim. A timely medical evaluation documents the nature and severity of your injury, which becomes part of the evidence supporting your benefits.
-
Know Your Deadlines
Louisiana law generally gives you one year from the date of your injury to file a formal workers' compensation claim if there is a dispute. If you have already received some benefits, other timelines may apply. For example, if you have received temporary total disability payments, you typically have one year from the date of the last payment to seek additional benefits. Because these deadlines can vary based on your situation, working with a knowledgeable attorney helps make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Filing a workers' compensation claim can feel like a lot to manage while you are also trying to heal. Taking these steps early and staying organized with your documentation gives your claim the strongest possible foundation.
What to Do If Your Workers' Comp Claim Is Denied
It can be discouraging to learn that your workers' compensation claim has been denied, but a denial is not the end of the road. Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, and not all denials are final.
Some common reasons for denial include disputes about whether the injury is truly work-related, disagreements about the severity of the injury, missed reporting deadlines, or allegations that the injury was caused by intoxication or intentional self-harm. In many cases, a denied claim can be challenged.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to file a disputed claim with the OWCA. This process may involve mediation, where a neutral third party helps both sides try to reach an agreement. If mediation does not resolve the issue, the case can proceed to a formal hearing before a workers' compensation judge.
Having an experienced workers' compensation lawyer on your side during this process can make a meaningful difference. An attorney can gather supporting medical evidence, prepare your case for a hearing, and advocate for your right to receive the benefits you are owed.
How a Thibodaux Workers' Compensation Attorney Can Help
You might wonder whether you really need a lawyer for a workers' compensation claim. While some straightforward claims may proceed smoothly, many cases involve complications that benefit from experienced legal support.
A workers' compensation attorney can help you understand the full range of benefits available to you, so you do not settle for less than you deserve. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts. They may dispute the severity of your injury, argue that you can return to work sooner than your doctor recommends, or rely on independent medical evaluations that downplay your condition.
Your lawyer can push back against these tactics by gathering strong medical evidence, consulting with physicians, and presenting your case effectively. They can also handle all communication with the insurance company, which takes the pressure off you so that you can focus on what matters most: getting better.
In Louisiana, workers' compensation attorneys are paid on a contingency basis, meaning their fee comes from a percentage of the benefits they recover for you. You do not pay anything upfront.
Contact a Thibodaux Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been hurt on the job, do not wait to get the help you need. The sooner you take action, the stronger your claim will be. At Ory Law Group, we offer free consultations and charge no fees unless we win your case.
Our Thibodaux workers' compensation lawyers are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Blog posts
Workers’ Comp Insurance Claim Practice Areas
-
Construction Site Injuries
-
Manufacturing and Industrial Accidents
-
Repetitive Stress Injuries
-
Exposure to Hazardous Conditions
-
Denied or Delayed Workers’ Comp Claims
-
Long-Term Disability Benefit Claims
Areas we serve
-
and surrounding areas
Other Practice Areas
Got in touch with Matt regarding a scary situation that happened over the weekend. My wife and I were unsure how to proceed and unsure of the next steps. He responded almost immediately, put our fears at ease, and assured us that he was there to help should anything transpire further. Matt was extremely informative, caring, and honest while at the same time serious, professional, and 100% on top of his game. We are extremely grateful!
- John W.
Matt’s outstanding hard work, confidence, and representation speak for themselves from the first moment you step foot in his office until the very last court hearing. His passion and drive make you feel as though there’s an entire army behind you. Thank you, Matt, from the bottom of my heart, for being so savage. If you need a total beast in your corner, call Matt Ory!
- Kensi D.
Matt Ory was a beacon of light in helping a member of our family when our options seemed slim. He calmed our fears and addressed all of our concerns with great care. While he was extremely professional throughout the process, he was easy to talk to and made us feel very comfortable.
- Holly D.